The City of Eugene project has been awarded "the Project of the Year" by the Oregon Chapter of the American Public Works Association. The award acknowledges exceptional work in the construction of the Washington Jefferson Skate Park + Urban Plaza. The award also honors 2G Construction, the project’s contractor; and Dreamland Skateparks, LLC, the design consultant.
Members of the APWA review subcommittee said they enjoyed learning about the WJ project, and described it as “most deserving of this award.” The project was judged in the category of Structures in the Less than $5 Million division. The award is to be official announced on Oct. 16.
The award confirms what many say about the WJ Skatepark + Urban Plaza: that it is no ordinary skate park. It is the collective vision held by thousands of local youth for more than a decade. A strong public-private partnership between the City of Eugene, Eugene Parks Foundation, Skaters for Eugene Skateparks and the Rotary Club of Eugene raised more than $335,000 in private funding to help make the vision a reality.
The WJ was designed and built by Dreamland Skateparks and includes an iconic ribbon, the mini-snake run and the blend of varied skate terrain that works for both beginners and expert skaters. Additional amenities include accessible pathways, new restrooms, bike racks, benches, drinking fountains, energy-efficient lighting, landscaping, and areas to accommodate food carts and special events.
The WJ is the largest covered and lighted public skatepark in the country and since it’s opening in June, has become a destination for enthusiasts from around the country, joining the ranks of Eugene’s many world-class sporting venues.