Cameron-Reilly LLC, a concrete contractor based in Airway Heights, has been awarded a $625,000 contract by the city of Spokane's Park Board to build a 20,000-square-foot skate park at the Dwight Merkel Sports Complex, located just north of Joe Albi Stadium, at 5901 N. Assembly.

The company is constructing all concrete improvements at the complex as a subcontractor to Bouten Construction Co., of Spokane.

The entire Dwight Merkel Sports Complex plan includes facilities for soccer, softball, BMX biking, and walking/jogging, as well as skateboarding. Spokane Parks and Recreation Director Leroy Eadie says work at the $11 million complex, which was funded by a park bond and the city's sale of land south of Holland Avenue to Wal-Mart Stores Inc., is on schedule for an Aug. 7 grand opening.

Jim Cameron, co-owner of Cameron-Reilly, says the project will be the 28-year-old company's first skate park.

"We have brought on board a project superintendent that has built skate parks all over the United States," Cameron says.

The facility will have beginner and advanced skating areas, with a bowl, handrails, banks, stairs, and ledges. Work began this month and should be completed "around the end of July," he says.

According to its Web site, Cameron-Reilly did concrete work last year for the city of Spokane's pools and splash pad projects, as well as for three colleges, five local school districts, and the Coeur d'Alene Casino expansion.

Cameron says the company began operations in 1982, and employs 40 to 50 people full time during the construction season.