INNISFAIL – The shovels are in the ground.
Innisfail’s long awaited state-of-the-art skatepark is one step closer to reality.
Innisfail mayor Jim Romane, several council members, Innisfail clubs, skateboarders and supporters of the million-dollar project gathered for the official groundbreaking ceremony on Monday, July 15.
“It’s an exciting day I think for the whole community,” said Russ Klemmer, president of the Innisfail Kinsmen Club. “(Since) being selected as the lead fundraiser, the Kinsmen and Kinettes have been really excited about seeing this day come to fruition.”
The Innisfail Kinsmen and Kinette Club have been instrumental in getting the project off the ground, and over the past few months have been joined by other local organizations, including the Innisfail Lions Club, who donated a cheque for $25,000 to the project on Monday.
“It’s a wonderful project for the youth,” said Eileen Reid, president of the Innisfail Lions Club. “That’s what’s going to keep Innisfail going is the youth. Keeping them here and keeping them engaged (in the community).”
According to the town, construction of the new skatepark, located at the intersection of 42nd Street and 51st Avenue, is expected to take about 12 to 16 weeks to complete, weather depending. Landscaping will be finalized over the next several months.
“Hopefully it will be (ready) by early summer next year,” said Meghan Jenkins, development coordinator with the Town of Innisfail.
Since the original concept model and site plan design was created in 2016, some changes have been made, noted Jenkins, including the addition of a proposed bowl on the south side of the skatepark, which will now be a permanent feature.
As a result, the new skatepark is expected to be slightly larger than the original model.
“The horseshoe pits are in the process of being relocated. This move did allow for an expansion of the bowl area of the skatepark,” explained Jenkins. ”It’s been incorporated into the construction plans.
“We’re still waiting on the final landscape plan for the area,” she added. “We’ll be finalizing it this fall.”
The long-awaited recreational facility was designed by New Line Skateparks in Calgary and will include skatepark signage and donor wall, new landscaping features as well as a spectator and user seating and socializing area.
“It’s been a project for a long time,” said Innisfail mayor Jim Romane. “It’ll be a (family) gathering place. It’s a good central location and young parents can bring their kids to skateboard and have a picnic.”
Thirteen year old Ryder Baguley is an avid scooter and BMX bike rider and is eager to see the skatepark completed.
“I’m really excited. I’m stoked,” said Baguley. “I’ll be here every day.”
He noted the convenient location and the popularity of the new facility.
“It’s easy access from my house,” said Baguley. “Just having it here, I think people are going to enjoy it.”
