The Superintendent of Parks and Recreation has confirmed that, because several projects had bids that came in under projections, surplus funds—up to $500,000—could be available for the Delridge skatepark. According to Superintendent Tim Gallagher this will require approval from the Parks Board of Commissioners.

But Matt Johnston, of the SkatePark Advisory Committee, said that more funding could still be required.

"It may surprise you, but that’s not enough to construct a park the size of a typical skatespot as defined by the Citywide Skatepark Plan," ohnston wrote on his blog. "So the next step may be to shift the Myrtle Reservoir skatedot funding from the Parks For All Levy to Delridge."

The Myrtle skatedot is currently allocated $250,000 levy funds, but in the past the surrounding community has made it clear that they do not desire a skatepark in their neighborhood, unlike the Delridge neighborhood, which has been very supportive of the proposed skatepark.

Reallocating those funds will require approval from the Seattle City Council.

Another concern Johnston has is that surplus funds would be allocated to the park according to the size of the park. The Delridge skatepark design was recently reduced to 10,000 square feet because construction funds were not available.

On his blog, Johnston explains why he thinks the skate park should be expanded:

"This park will be West Seattle’s first and only skatepark for sometime, and there are a lot of skateboarders in West Seattle. This 10,000 square foot park will quickly become crowded and overrun, creating safety issues for skateboarders, and putting undue pressure on the facility’s surroundings.

There is some room to expand the design, not drastically mind you, but there is potential for 4,000 to 6,000 square feet of additional space that would make a huge difference. We’re not asking for the world here. This request is reasonable.

The design is somewhat cramped by the 10,000 square foot limitation set by parks on this site. Skateboarders would greatly benefit from a less condensed design, with more room to spread out. The community would also benefit by having a more aesthetically pleasing and better integrated skatepark."

These issues will be discussed at the next SkatePark Advisory Committee meeting on May 11, 7 p.m., in the Parks Department Headquarters at 100 Dexter Ave. Superintendent Gallagher will be there, along with the Delridge Project Manager Kelly Davidson, and Planning Manager Kevin Stoops.