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Construction of a new all-wheel pump track is currently underway at Sunken Gardens Skate Park, following a yearslong delay spurred by additional project requirements, according to officials at Livermore Area Recreation and Park District.
The concrete track will join the skate park’s pre-existing amenities including ramps and a stunt course for bicycles, skateboards and scooters, according to LARPD spokesperson David Weisgerber.
In addition to the forthcoming track, the approximately $1.9 million project at 3800 Pacific Ave. will include ADA-accessible pathways and other site improvements such as shaded seating, gathering areas and synthetic turf.
LARPD aims to open the pump track during spring 2026, following four to five months of construction, Weisgerber said.
“The pump track will create an active recreation hub for riders of all ages and abilities,” Weisgerber told Livermore Vine. “It’s designed to be fun, safe, and accessible, giving families and riders another great place to gather, learn and play.”
Previously in November 2022, the LARPD Board of Directors approved an agreement to build the pump track and limited site improvements for $839,344.
Prior to the entitlement and permitting process, LARPD aimed to begin construction during spring of 2023, Weisgerber said.
Subsequently, the project scope and cost grew while its timeline was extended.
The project was expanded to include the design and construction of ADA-accessible pathways as well as additional site and drainage improvements, Weisgerber explained.
Along with the widening of the project scope, it became more expensive due to stormwater mitigation fees, select price increases as LARPD worked through the entitlement and permitting process as well as costs related to the property title transfer of a city-owned, park parcel to LARPD.
The city’s parcel includes the skate park and parking area, Weisgerber said.
As the project progressed through the entitlement and permitting process, the project was delayed to allow for the completion of additional requirements such as the parking study, stormwater management approvals and the property title transfer, Weisgerber said.
“Those steps took extra time but were important to make sure the project met all requirements and standards,” Weisgerber said.
On Oct. 9, LARPD held a groundbreaking ceremony for the project with agency board members, city officials and staff as well as community partners.
“There was a lot of excitement and pride in seeing this long-awaited amenity move forward,” Weisgerber said of the event.
The city anticipates approving a purchase and sale agreement to transfer its parcel of the park to LARPD this winter, according to city spokesperson Sonia Lee.
The parcel will serve as a pedestrian access to LARPD’s adjacent pump track, Lee added.
“We are incredibly excited about the new pump track coming to Sunken Gardens,” Lee said. “Working together with our partner agencies is how we consistently prioritize quality of life, and we anticipate the facility will become a regional draw.”
