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Why Is It So Hard to Build a Skatepark in Truckee?

The Challenge:

The Rocker Memorial Skatepark (RMSP) is a planned 25,000 sq. ft. community skatepark in Truckee River Regional Park. Despite broad community support, the project faces serious funding obstacles. Why?

🚧 Truckee’s Unique Government Structure:

  • Town of Truckee (inc. 1993): Handles roads, trails, sidewalks, planning—not sports or recreation.
  • Truckee-Donner Recreation & Park District (TDRPD) (est. 1963): Manages parks and programs—but lacks major capital funds.

Unlike most towns with a unified Parks & Rec department, Truckee splits responsibilities between two separate agencies—neither of which fully funds projects like RMSP.

šŸ’ø Who Gets Your Property Tax?

From $1,000 in Property Tax Nevada County Example
Town of Truckee $60 (6.04%)
TDRPD (Recreation) $27 (2.71%)
Others (schools, fire, etc) $913 (91.25%)

TDRPD’s share is for operations—not construction. The Town contributes $0 toward skateparks.

🧱 Why RMSP Must Raise ~$3.3 Million Privately:

  • Land is public (TDRPD), but not funded
  • Town permits + CEQA required for development
  • Town-required civil improvements: ADA paths, curbs, drainage, landscaping—all at skatepark’s expense
  • No Town or TDRPD capital budget allocated

🧩 This Creates a Funding Gap:

The skatepark must meet public project requirements — but is funded like a private one.

āœ… What RMSP Has Done So Far:

  • $625K raised from local donations, grants & events
  • $215K+ spent on permits, design, CEQA
  • Over 1,000 volunteer hours donated
  • Project ready to build — but needs major funding to break ground

ā¤ļø Why It Matters:

RMSP will offer a free, inclusive, all-ages recreation space, reduce car travel to distant skateparks, and honor a local legacy — Steve ā€œRockerā€ Anderson.

šŸ”‘ Want to Help Close the Gap?

Let’s build the skatepark Truckee has dreamed of — together.

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