Skate plazas to be studied

Two more skate plazas could be constructed at Central Park and Casanova Park in the Laurie Meadows neighborhood by the end of 2003, she added. Other parks to be considered in the future are Los Prados, Harborview, Bayside/Joinville, Laurelwood and Fiesta Meadows parks.

Skate plazas are open spaces of approximately 3,000 square feet with ramps, rails, curbs, planters and stairs that are specifically designed for skaters to use in their tricks. A maximum of 15 to 20 skaters could comfortably use the plazas at one time, said Dennis Frank, landscape architect for the city of San Mateo.

Canzian said the mini skate parks will serve younger neighborhood skateboarders who do not need necessarily need large ramps.

The plaza idea started taking shape in November after it became apparent that the city did not have the money to continue pursuing a larger regional park at county-owned Coyote Point Park.

The city had planned to construct a 8,000- to 12,000-square-foot skate park at Coyote Point with a price tag of approximately $1 million -- significantly more than the $400,000 the city had earmarked for the facility. Since May, the city had looked for the extra money but with budget reductions, it had little luck.

There is no budget estimate for the skate plazas but a similar project in El Cajon cost $45,000.

The City Council study session will begin 5:15 p.m. Monday Feb. 3 at City Hall, 330 W. 20th Ave.<