Timeless design and local identity were widely discussed when more than 50 skateboarders and park users attended the “dream it, draw it, build it, skate it” meeting April 19 hosted by the Bainbridge Island Parks Foundation.

The foundation is asking for input on design features for expansion of the 20-year-old skate bowl at Strawberry Hill Park.

Results from a community survey reveal that about half of respondents preferred a park balanced with half street skate features and half transition features.

James Klinedist of Grindline in Seattle has designed more than 300 skateparks worldwide and more than two dozen in Puget Sound. He led the discussion and showed examples of features from skateboard parks that could be incorporated into the project here.

Klinedist said Grindline already conducted a site analysis and was seeking input from park users for the conceptual design in order to “design and build what everyone needs” with the ultimate goal of timeless design and something that “will work now and work in the future.” He also expressed the need to create an integrated park that has flow and leads to learning progression and meets the needs of beginners and advanced skateboarders.

The goal is to create a design that will complement the current skateboard park with a new state-of-the-art cast-in-place concrete addition that aligns with the island’s local identity. After showing examples of features at a Houston park that were emblematic of Texas pride, skateboarders had a lot to say about which features and elements they wanted.

Jessica Perkins Miller, chair of the Roller Skating Committee, said, “If you have wheels we care” and encouraged skaters to share their ideas.

One attendee said the Bainbridge bowl is a work of art and asked that it be integrated with the new one. Other desired features included: a long staircase or ladder progression, ledges with round edges, a mini ramp with a double spine, a long curved ledge like the one at the Issaquah park, slappy curves, pump bumps and a China bank that is a replica of one in San Francisco.

An adjustable rail, a snake run down the hill, barbecue grills, lighting, later park hours and a roof were all added to the wish list.

The foundation will launch a fundraising campaign later this year as the skatepark design takes shape. Executive director Mary Meier asked the skaters to spread the word because it will take everyone’s support to make the skatepark a reality.

“Tell those stories. Tell everyone, so they can hear that this is important to you,” she said.

The public can still have input by taking the online survey at https://tinyurl.com/Bainbridge-Skatepark to vote for their favorite elements, or to suggest additional features.

For skatepark status information, contact Douglas Slingerland at the Bainbridge Island Metro Parks & Recreation District at douglas@biparks.org.