Anyone who either uses the current skatepark in Lion’s Park or has interest in seeing improvements made to this facility is encouraged to attend a Public Input Workshop hosted by New Line Skateparks on Tuesday March 6 at 6:00pm.
The skatepark was built through community support back in 2000 in memory of Joel Waines, an avid skateboarder who died tragically at the age of 16. While many have used the park since it was built the facility is showing signs of its age and disrepair after 17 years and many of the features have been deemed “unusable” by the local riders. Oliver Parks and Recreation is proposing the removal of some older, unsafe features and the creation of an expanded, updated “small-wheels playground” with additional “street style” features that would give a more accessible and fun space to play in for children, youth and adults who like to skate, scoot and bike. “I feel that the community has created many places for people to recreate, however the older children and teens do not currently have a safe place to hang out that doesn’t have a cost attached to it,” said Society Director Helene Urcullu. “Skate parks offer a greater number of outdoor athletic choices where youth can work on their skills for free”. The addition of skateboarding as an official sport in the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo brings an exciting opportunity to start training young athletes at the community level through lessons, camps and competitions. Crime prevention is also a big motivator behind the revitalization.
Earlier this year New Line Skateparks was awarded the tender to design and build the new facility. They will be here in Oliver on Tuesday, March 6 from 6:00-8:00pm at the Community Centre to gather feedback on the design work that has been done to date as well as input for new ideas on how to better improve the existing skatepark. There will be a short presentation followed up with a question and discussion period where attendees will be asked to fill out feedback forms to provide their input into the design of the updated park. Refreshments will be provided.
Sheridan is hoping that the greater community will throw their support behind the project to make it a reality. “It is wonderful that the Society, the Kiwanis Club of Oliver and the Oliver Legion have listened to the needs of our youth and are willing to invest dollars in increasing their social and physical activity opportunities and give them a renewed sense of pride in their community,” says Sheridan. “Anyone and everyone who thinks improvements to the existing park are a good idea should come to this workshop to provide ideas, whether they are skateboarders, scooter riders, BMXers or parents of children and youth who ride.”
To learn more about the Small Wheels Playground project please contact Carol Sheridan directly at carol@oliverrecreation.ca or 250-498-4985 or visit the project on Facebook www.facebook.com/oliverbcsmallwheels