News: Biddeford Skatepark Informational Page
| Date Published |
Author |
| 2/19/2025 12:00:00 AM |
E. Dube |
Welcome to the City of Biddeford Skatepark Informational Page!
Update: July 16, 2025
Happy Summer!
The Recreation Department has published the RFP (Request For Proposals) for a skatepark feasibility study for location and design. The deadline for companies to submit proposals is Thursday, August 14, 2025 at 12:00pm. You can find the RFP on the city website at this link:
https://www.biddefordmaine.org/5773/RFP-Skatepark-Feasibility-Study
We look to award the contract in September, as it has to be brought to City Council for approval. This study will allow the city to determine a site, cost and design that would fit the city best. Part of the proposal requirement is for the awarded vendor to do community outreach and hear from the community members to provide feedback. We will make sure that any opportunity to provide feedback will be made public through this information page, the city website, and the Biddeford Beat. We want to hear from you.
The company who is awarded the project will be tasked to present their findings in a presentation to City Council no later than the end of November. Depending on Council schedule, a presentation could take place in late November or early December.
Once a design and location are determined, the next step will be to work on funding. This study will provide us with the leverage needed to qualify for grant funding, and allow us to implement a project that is well thought out and in the best interests of the community.
Please let us know if you have any questions. We will be in touch as we move forward with the process!
Thank you~
Lisa Thompson, CPRP - Recreation Director
Erika Dube - Recreation Deputy Director
Update: April 23, 2025
The Biddeford Recreation Department has included a feasibility study for a new skate park for Biddeford in our CIP request for fiscal year 2026. For those who have attended recent public meetings where the skate park project has been reviewed, Recreation Director Thompson has presented information to council and attendees about this study being an important next step in the skate park planning process per recommendation of Pillar Design Studios who conducted the skate park site visit at Rotary Park in October 2023.
The study will include project elements such as a comprehensive geotechnical investigation to address subsurface conditions and determine the most suitable location for a skatepark in Biddeford. This is an important step to ensure that the future home of a new skate park in Biddeford will maintain the park’s quality and minimize issues such as settling and sinking of the asphalt that may undermine the integrity of the park and contribute to future issues or shortening the lifespan of this important outdoor recreation space.
Here are some ways you can support this request, as well as links and information on meetings where this and other Capital Projects will be reviewed:
Upcoming Capital Projects meetings:
May 14th and June 11th, 2025 - 6:00pm - Biddeford City Hall, Council Chambers 2nd Floor
These meetings are open to the public, and public comment is encouraged. For those looking for advocacy opportunities for this study, it is recommended to attend these sessions, which will include the full scope of the City Manager’s capital recommendations, as well as any following meetings where the committee discusses and votes on priorities.
Click here for the Link to Capital Projects/Operations Committee Page: This page lists committee member emails you can reach out directly to advocate for specific projects.
Click here for the Link to the City of Biddeford’s Agenda site: Track upcoming meetings, view agendas, and even subscribe for updates specific to the committee.
Update: March 5, 2025
NEW: Click here to join our new Biddeford Skatepark Email List!
Update: February 19, 2025
Information regarding city plans for a new skatepark in the Biddeford community will be posted here. Items that we anticipate posting on this page include:
1. Municipal meetings where skatepark initiatives will be discussed.
2. Opportunities for volunteer involvement, including but not limited to fundraising, design discussions, etc.
3. Links to materials as plans are developed, including but not limited to RFPs, concept designs, local articles, etc.
This page is maintained by the Recreation Department. Our goal for creating this page is to share information regarding future development updates as they are known and create a public page that is available to all visitors to view without requiring an account on our site or submitting your email to receive updates. We will continue to work on the format of this page as more details are added to make sure links and information are accessible. We are aware that some events/meetings are scheduled short-notice when time sensitive decisions are required, and will make all efforts to keep this page updated in a timely fashion.
It is evident from the many voices that have participated in community discussions, council meetings, and responded to the Recreation Community Assessment survey that this is a valued outdoor recreational space in Biddeford. Having access to a fun and safe skatepark speaks to a variety of benefits for visitors through exercise, social interaction, supporting positive mental health, creating feelings of inclusion, access to the outdoors and nature, offering intergenerational activities, and the list goes on. Thank you to all that have advocated to see a skatepark return. We appreciate your patience, support, input, and enthusiasm in this process as the City of Biddeford works to develop plans for a future skatepark in this community!
For any questions related to the city’s skatepark planning process, please contact Recreation Director, Lisa Thompson, at lisa.thompson@biddefordmaine.org.
Files and Links:
Biddeford-Saco-OOB Courier article: August 27, 2024
City Council Packet: February 18, 2025
Saco Bay News Article: February 19, 2025
Biddeford-Saco-OOB Courier article: February 24, 2024
Links to local skatepark projects through Artisan Skateparks:
Kennebunk, ME and Portsmouth, NH
Article Files: