"Community" the key word in new Ski Run Community Park - Grand Opening Sept. 6

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Just a few years ago it was a fenced-in empty lot left after the old Slalon Inn was removed in 1999 for the transfer of development rights needed for the reconfigured Safeway in South Lake Tahoe. Tired of seeing just a fence and dirt, along with a need for open space for children to go in the Ski Run Boulevard area, a group of locals envisioned a community park.

The journey from dirt to what it is today - a climbing boulder, epic play structure, slide, tire swing, grassy play area, benches, and a community table for picnics, was not a quick, easy, or cheap one. But the group of dedicated visionaries and their vision of a park kept the end goal in front of them, and the result is something the Ski Run neighborhood and City of South Lake Tahoe will be able to cherish for generations.

"It's pretty darn exciting," said Corey Rich, a Ski Run business owner who was instrumental in the completion of the park. "It was a long vision, with a lot of blood, sweat, and tears."

Friends of Ski Run first came together with Teresa Bertrand and Dina Cole at the helm, creating a neighborhood business district along Ski Run Boulevard with many goals to tackle. One of those goals was to figure out what to do on the spot of the demolished motel, a lot about .6 acres in size.

In 2010, the Friends of Ski Run started brainstorming on the future park, and around 2016 the vision of a community play space started forming.

Leadership Lake Tahoe attempted to get the park project off the ground with a big push about seven years ago, but it wasn't until the relentless determination of Ski Run business owners McNamara and Rich to get the project onto paper.

Four families, Wynn and Lauren Ruji, Lincoln and Galena Else, Chris and Viktoria McNamara, and Corey and Marina Rich purchased the lot after spending years trying to first contact, then convince the Safeway Corporation to give the lot to the community, or at least sell it to them at market value.

"It took perseverance and to keep going when we were told 'no'," said McNamara.

The effort took private funds and community effort, about $600,000 worth, to buy the land and build the park. A lot of the services were donated or discounted, and there was a lot of help from real estate agents, engineers, and attorneys.

The design of the park was completed by Ben Fish, but it started with outreach to the youth of South Lake Tahoe. The kids at the Boys and Girls Club of Lake Tahoe were given blank sheets of paper and asked to draw their dream park. Those designs were taken to the Ski Run Farmer's Market where people could vote on their favorite, then Fish did the rest.

The park is community-inspired and community-created.

With about 1,000 kids living within one-half mile of the new park, it will get plenty of use. The climbing boulder is 12 feet high and has 20 different routes to the top created by Blue Granite Climbing Gym. There is accessible ADA equipment, as well as engineered wood chips several feet deep around the equipment.

Devin Middlebrook, who was the South Lake Tahoe mayor at the time of the 2022 groundbreaking, was a part of the team that helped get the park to the finish line. He, Corey, and Chris wanted to make sure everyone involved is thanked, and a wall with donors will be on display. They said attorney Marissa Fox was a key player. Sierra Sustainable Builders built the project at cost and got others to supply items at the best deal possible. Sarah Steele helped bring the park to open as well.

There will be over 170 donor names on the wall with donations of $1 to $100,000.

"We are thrilled to see the community’s vision come to life," said City Mayor, Cody Bass. "This park is a shining example of what can be achieved when neighbors come together with a common goal. We look forward to seeing Ski Run Community Park become a vibrant hub of activity and joy for the neighborhood."

The Friends of Ski Run have transferred ownership of the park now that construction is complete to the City of South Lake Tahoe.

McNamara, Rich, and Middlebrook also wanted to express their thanks to the City of South Lake Tahoe staff that helped, including Hilary Roverud, John Stark, Dennis Churchill, John Hitchcock, Heather Stroud, Joe Irvin, Becky Penado, and the City Council.

The park is now open from dawn to dusk, but there will be a park grand opening celebration on September 6 at 4:30 p.m. and everyone is invited to join the occasion. This event will feature opportunities to learn more about the park's features and the community efforts behind its creation. The park is located on Ski Run Blvd. at Willow Avenue.

Names in the photo above: Left to right: Marina Rich, Mila McNamara, Chris McNamara, Corey Rich, Leila Rich, Wilder McNamara, Viktoria McNamara, and Devin Middlebrook.