A conceptual drawing of what the Riverwalk Community Skatepark may look like once constructed. The Jamestown Planning Commission approved the site plan Tuesday.

If all goes to plan, the new Riverwalk Community Skatepark will see its first ollie in August.

The Jamestown Planning Commission this week approved the site plan for the skatepark that will be constructed on the banks of the Chadakoin River near McCrea Point Park.

Prior to site plan approval, the commission heard from Micah Shapiro, Grindline CEO/designer, who showed conceptual drawings of the proposed park. He said the construction of the park will use some existing foundations from the former Jamestown Trolley Building and steel from a former Jamestown Board of Public Utilities coal bridge.

Shapiro said construction of the park is scheduled to start in May, with an opening in August.

The conceptual drawing shown by Shapiro included three areas, with the first two to be built during Phase 1. A future third area of the park could be constructed if additional grant funding is received. The two park areas that will be built this year total 6,500 square feet.

Shapiro said the budget for the new park is $500,000, which includes the $250,000 grant from the Tony Hawk Foundation, with the assistance of the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation. The grant was matched by local contributions from the city of Jamestown and several grassroots fundraising events. The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation has a special fund for the project titled SK8 JTNY. Those interested in donating can send a check to the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, 418 Spring St., Jamestown, NY 14701. For more information, visit crcfonline.org.

Jeff Nelson, commission member, asked why this location was selected for the skatepark and not a different area with more parking like at Allen Park. Ellen Shadle, city principal planner, said people will be able to park at McCrea Point Park, which is only a two minute walk away from where the skatepark will be constructed. Jeff Lehman, city public works director, said the site was selected because it’s along the Greater Jamestown Riverwalk and because city officials wanted to repurpose the old Jamestown Trolley Building site.

John LaMancuso, commission member, asked if there is a timeline for the future development of the third section of the skatepark. Lehman said there is no timeline and the development of the third section will be dependent on receiving grant funding.

In other business, the commission had a preliminary discussion on a Local Preservation Ordinance (LPO). Shadle said an LPO would provide additional protections for older buildings, which will help to save historic structures.

Gregory Rabb, commission chairman, said the cost is quite high to preserve buildings, which is a concern when it comes to some homeowners who might not have the financial resources to maintain their house to the levels detailed in a preservation ordinance.

“A poor and aging community might not be able to keep up with what is in an ordinance,” he said.

Shadle said the ordinance hasn’t been written yet. She said there are plans to hold public information feedback sections so the document can be designed to fit the needs of city residents.