To stay informed about the progress of the Cambria Skatepark Construction Project, please visit this page regularly or click the “Join Our Mailing List” icon on any CCSD webpage and subscribe to Facilities & Resources Department News & Updates. We will provide ongoing updates throughout construction, including project milestones, construction activities, and other important developments.

Dear Cambrians,

We are pleased to announce that funding shortfall for the Cambria Skatepark Project is now no more. This important milestone was made possible through the generous support of an anonymous donor and the Cambria Community Council, which is providing the funding necessary to cover the project’s 15 percent construction contingency. We are deeply grateful for their commitment to Cambria’s youth and the broader community. The funds have been transferred to the Cambria Community Services District, and the CCSD Board of Directors has approved the construction agreement with Newton Construction. With funding secured and the agreement approved, the project will now move into the construction phase.

Newton Construction is expected to begin mobilizing on September 21, 2026, with a groundbreaking anticipated during the week of September 28.

This project has been years in the making and reflects the dedication, generosity, and persistence of many community members and organizations.

To stay informed about the Cambria Skatepark Project, please click the “Join Our Mailing List” icon on any CCSD webpage and subscribe to Facilities & Resources Department News & Updates.

Sincerely,

Matthew McElhenie
General Manager
Cambria Community Services District

https://www.cambriacsd.org/8-14-2026-letter-from-the-general-manager

Newton Construction & Management, Inc. submitted the lowest responsive and responsible bid for the construction of the Cambria Skatepark Project in the amount of approximately $1,344,000. Consistent with prior Board discussions regarding public works risk management, inclusion of a 15% construction contingency in the amount of $201,600 results in a total construction authorization of approximately $1,545,600. Following receipt of bids and preparation of the Project budget, staff identified a funding shortfall of $175,095.41 between available Project funds and the amount necessary to award the construction contract and proceed with the Project. In addition, the Board determined that a dedicated funding source for the recommended construction contingency was necessary before contract award. The Funding and Contingency Agreement with the Cambria Community Council ("CCC") closes both funding needs. Under the agreement, the CCC will provide an immediate contribution of $175,095.41 to eliminate the Project funding shortfall and will separately maintain a $201,600 fund dedicated solely for Project contingency purposes.

The Cambria Skatepark Project has been under development for several years and represents a collaborative effort involving extensive community fundraising, State grant funding, and District financial and administrative support. The Project is intended to provide an important permanent recreational amenity for residents and visitors and has been identified by the Board as a community priority.

On July 9, 2026, the Board considered construction bids and discussed options for addressing the Project funding shortfall. Staff identified several alternatives, including delaying award of the construction contract, rejecting all bids and rebidding the Project when sufficient funds are on hand, utilizing District General Fund reserves to fund the shortfall and contingency, or securing additional outside funding to close the gap. At that time, the CCC generously stepped in and offered to fund the construction shortfall and the contingency. Following that discussion, CCSD and CCC negotiated a Funding and Contingency Agreement designed to eliminate the funding shortfall and provide a dedicated contingency funding source for the Project.

The Project was competitively bid in accordance with applicable public contracting requirements. Following review of the submitted bids, Newton Construction & Management, Inc. is the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. Awarding the contract at this time will allow the District to proceed with construction while utilizing previously secured grant funding and community and CCC contributions. Award also avoids the uncertainties associated with rebidding the Project, including potential increases in construction costs and additional delays. These considerations were identified as significant factors during the Board's prior discussion of the Project funding shortfall. The Funding and Contingency Agreement closes the construction funding gap and establishes a dedicated source of contingency funding. Award of the construction contract allows the District to move forward with construction of a long-planned community recreational facility while preserving the significant public and private investment already made in the Project. Construction of the Skatepark will provide a much needed recreational amenity for the community, advance a project identified in District planning efforts, and allow previously secured substantial grant funding to be utilized for its intended purpose.

On August 13, 2026, the CCSD Board of Directors approved a Construction Agreement with Newton Construction & Management, Inc. for the Cambria Skatepark Project and authorized the General Manager to execute the Contract.