New Yucca Valley Skatepark re-enters limbo along with rest of Community Center master plan

Just over a year ago the Town of Yucca Valley invited local skateboarders to a series of meetings where they asked for feedback on the current Yucca Valley skatepark, and what they would want to see in a new skatepark. It took a couple of meetings to spread the word and get folks out, but famed skatepark builder Spohn Ranch came out to the second meeting, and so did local skaters from around the Morongo Basin. They shared feedback on an older redesign that dated back to 2019, and plans seemed to be coming together for a new spot to replace the functional but not-very-versatile skatespot located on the northern side of the Yucca Valley Community Center. That last meeting was on April 16th of 2024, so you may be wondering what’s happening with the long-delayed project. The skatepark is only one part of a larger master plan for the Community Center, which also in expected to include eight pickleball courts, new restrooms, resurfaced basketball courts, more parking, and more shade. Construction for Phase 1 was anticipated to begin in October 2024 and was hoped to be completed this spring. The Yucca Valley Skatepark can be empty in the middle of a weekday, but plenty of skaters hit the spot when school isn't still insession. The park is open sun up to sun down, and summer is right around the corner. The Town of Yucca Valley’s Parks and Recreation Supervisor Jakub Kusmierak says that the new skatepark is still in the works, and part of a later phase of the Community Center Master Plan. That Master Plan currently doesn’t have a finalized timeline, and Kusmierak says that’s because the Town is still waiting on direction from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) regarding the Joshua Trees in the area. The Western Joshua Tree Conservation Plan is currently in review at the CDFW and is expected to be finalized and delivered by June 30th. On Wednesday (5/28) the CDFW released revised guidelines for Western Joshua Tree Take Permits and audits, which will be required for ground disturbing construction near a Western Joshua Tree, or the complete removal or transplant of a tree if deemed necessary and viable. That means skaters hoping for fresh lines and updated features will have to wait a little longer. However, the current skatepark remains open from sunup to sundown. Visiting the park during the day you can understand some of the feedback gathered from last year’s meetings. There is a lack of shade around the skatepark, and the features themselves are looking a little worn down and aged. Despite what these photos may seem to depict... skateboarding is alive and well in the Morongo Basin with both kids and adults hitting the Yucca Valley Skatepark when school isn't in session. This also isn’t the only skatepark in the hi-desert... far from it. There are thriving and reviving skate scenes around each of the parks in Twentynine Palms, Yucca Valley, Joshua Tree and Morongo Valley. Landers and Wonder Valley have a scene, too, despite a public park. Skateboarding is not a crime, and luckily most cities have grown past the skateboard panic of the 80’s and 90’s, when "NO SKATEBOARDING" signs dotted city sidewalks and every grindable surface. Z107.7 will keep you updated on the Yucca Valley Community Center master plan, and over the next few weeks we’ll be looking at each of the skate scenes around the hi-desert and we’ll talk to longtime locals and new faces that are progressing the sport out here in the middle of the Mojave. If that’s you - email me at robert@z1077fm.com and let’s meet up and skate your local. (Just don’t ask me to do a kickflip)