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Skatepark design options to be shown

By Kelley Bouchard kbouchard September 15, 2008 01:56 PM

Portland's Skatepark Planning Committee will unveil three skatepark design proposals tomorrow and ask the public to vote for one.

The city plans to build a skateboard and bike park at Doughtery Field Complex, off Douglass Street. A Web site will be set up for online voting, said city spokeswoman Nicole Clegg.

The designs will be unveiled at 10:30 a.m. in the State of Maine Room at Portland City Hall.

The committee hopes to select a design by Sept. 24, Clegg said. Construction will start following a fundraising campaign, likely by next spring.

So far, the city has donated 28,000 square feet of land valued at $75,000 and allocated $75,000 to build the park. The committee also received a $50,000 matching grant from the Ollie Fund of the Maine Community Foundation.

The committee needs to raise an additional $125,000. Through its "Buy A Brick" program, supporters purchase a brick that will be used in the project for a tax-deductible contribution of $50.

Each brick can be inscribed by the donor and will become a permanent part of the park. For more information, visit www.portlandmaine.gov/skatepark.