The City of Brevard fully supports the desire from our community to have safe, accessible recreational amenities like greenways, bike paths, public parks, and skate parks. Within less than a year, a group of dedicated volunteers raised more than $55,000 and contributed their time and labor to build a skate park. We live in a very giving community and we value this resource greatly.
The City would like to provide an update on the skate park and share next steps.
Due to a recent finding from the NC League of Municipalities (NCLM), which provides the general liability coverage for the City, the City of Brevard will not be able to accept the Tannery Skate Park as we had originally hoped. Recent changes in insurance coverage provided by the NCLM dictates that they cannot insure the structure currently in place. They have encouraged the City to pursue a structure built of concrete, like the recently opened skate park in Morganton, NC.
We are disappointed and saddened by this news and share in the frustration of those who put their time and their money into this project. When construction started, and as recently as just a few weeks ago, the City understood that with modifications, NCLM would insure the structure. Unfortunately, in the midst of the review, NCLM established a new threshold for insurance based on a significant lawsuit related to a skateboard park in Eastern NC.
Next Steps
The City Council previously approved the Tannery Park master plan which included a skate park. City staff will work with the citizen-led Tannery Skate Park Task Force to identify and present options to the Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee for recommendation to City Council. Our goal is to create a safe skate park that will be fully insured upon completion. Additionally, the City has begun discussions with representatives of the Task Force regarding the existing Tannery Skate Park structure, safely securing the site, and potentially moving it to a privately-owned location. The City anticipates using the already poured concrete foundation at Tannery Park in the construction of a future skate park.
Notice Prohibiting Use
Effective immediately, the Tannery Park Skate Park is not available for use and is closed to the public. Police will be monitoring the park to ensure compliance with this notice.