INNISFAIL – There will be a celebration ceremony next week for contributors to the new million-dollar Innisfail Skatepark.
The Town of Innisfail held a sponsor recognition ceremony on Sept. 16 at the skatepark, which is currently celebrating its first full season of use for local youth at the intersection of 42nd Street and 51st Avenue.
Local officials were to salute the efforts and contributions by the Innisfail Kinsmen and Innisfail Lions Club for their financial donations, money that was raised through fundraising. The Kinsmen collected about $37,000 for the skatepark and the Lion’s club added another $25,000.
The town was also to officially recognize a corporate donation of $2,500 from FortisAlberta towards the planting of trees and shrubs by the facility.
As well, a big thank you went out to Red Deer County for its $283,800 contribution to the million-dollar cost for the skatepark and Innisfail Horseshoe Court. The later facility was moved and rebuilt 300 metres south from its old site that was once beside the skatepark’s current location.
Mayor Jim Romane was appreciative for the county “coming up to the plate” to help Innisfail, noting the town did not make any loud demands for any assistance.
“They’ve gotten really good with helping with special projects,” said Romane. “Generally in a small community like ours about 40 per cent of the users are rural. Over the years they’ve realized that obligation should happen.”
Jim Wood, the mayor of Red Deer County, said the most important resource in any community is the youth. He added it’s paramount to have facilities for the young to ensure their productivity and enjoyment.
“I take a look at their well being, and their fitness is extremely important,” said Wood, adding volunteers are equally vital as they work hard to make projects for youth become a reality.
“Those are the people that need to be rewarded. Red Deer County did its part in putting some money up but it’s those community volunteers that make these projects happen.”
The rural mayor emphasized that Red Deer County puts a high value on its partnerships with urban communities to contribute to projects for the young.
Earlier in the summer Red Deer County contributed $179,550 to cover the remaining monies needed to complete the Springbrook Community Skate Park Project.
Over the past seven years the county also contributed land for the project, along with covering design fee costs and also an initial $250,000 above the $179,550 donated this summer.
“We’ve got some great urban partners. We recognize the youth from Red Deer County utilize all these different parks no matter what urban centre they are in,” said Wood. “It doesn’t make sense for Red Deer County to build skateboard parks everywhere. If we could partner with others it only makes sense.
“Times are not easy, and this is a way we can work together to make sure our dollars go the best that they can,” concluded Wood.
