A new skate park that’s half the size of a professional football field is expected to open in San Juan Capistrano by year’s end. Plans for the 28,300-square-foot facility moved forward during a Jan. 19 city council meeting, when council awarded a design contract to Grideline Skateparks Inc. “I think it’s important for our youth,” said San Juan Capistrano councilmember Sergio Farias. “This is exciting for our city and our youth. You won’t see me there, but it’s great for the people that will use it.” The skate park design firm received a $145,445 contract, which is a fraction of the project’s $3.5 million cost. About $3.1 million of the funding came from the city’s park and recreation fund, while the remaining money came from bond and grant funds. The park is set to be built on city-owned farmland, which is currently operated by The Ecology Center and is adjacent to …