In 2023, Team Pain Skate Parks, in collaboration with engineers and a landscape architect, led a robust community engagement process. This included virtual and public meetings as well as an invitation to the community to provide input on the EngageGJ.org skate park project page. As a result of that public process, which involved members of the skate community, the park has been redesigned as a destination skate/wheel park. Team Pain’s Emerson Skate Park design emphasizes modern elements that are currently lacking in Grand Junction including an expansive street course, an intermediate bowl, and an advanced bowl. Following the concept design last year, the City approved the project as a part of the 2024 budget. City Council then approved a not to exceed guaranteed maximum price of $2,906,875. Similar to projects like the build out of additional tennis courts at Canyon View Park and Pickleball courts at Lincoln Park, Emerson Skate Park has been designed for and with significant input from the interested user groups.
The reactivation of Emerson Park is outlined as a priority in the 2021 Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Master Plan for the parks and recreation system. More information about the PROS Master Plan. For questions regarding city programming, services, or facilities, call Grand Junction Parks and Recreation at 970-254-3866, visit gjcity.org, or email gjparksandrec@gjcity.org.