(KAIR)--Atchison City Commissioners have approved the next step toward a second phase of improvements at the skate park at Reisner Park.

Public Works and Utilities Director Clinton McNemee told the commission during its March 2 meeting the city is working under a new memorandum of understanding with Skate High With Hope, the Joshua Kinsman Foundation. The city’s capital plan includes 350,000 dollars for phase two, contingent on the foundation raising 150,000 dollars, with the city covering the remainder.

McNemee said the proposed additions include a new skate bowl and a pump track. A refreshed construction estimate put the project closer to 390,000 dollars, but he said the total could be brought back down through in-kind support, similar to the first phase.

The agreement would also keep the project with the same design-and-build team used previously, Pillar for design and Artisan for construction, through a purchasing co-op process. McNemee said timing matters, with a possible spring construction window that could be lost if scheduling is delayed.

Foundation representatives said fundraising is at about 142,000 dollars, roughly 7,500 dollars short of the goal, and they expect in-kind contributions could help close the gap.

After some discussion, including concerns raised about seeking additional bids, commissioners voted 4 to 1 to authorize staff to sign the memorandum of understanding and continue moving the project forward. Commissioner Mike Slattery cast the lone no vote.

Just prior to the vote, Mayor LaRochelle Young joined other Commissioners in commending Cline and Hawkins on the accomplishments they've made in their efforts of fundraising to keep the memory of Joshua Kinsman alive.

The first phase of the skatepark at Reisner Park opened in October, 2021.