Skatepark enthusiasts in Penhold are ramping up their efforts to have skateboards roll south of the multiplex and the new Penhold Crossing School.
April Jones, spokesperson for the skatepark committee, appeared in front of Penhold council on April 14 to request approval to award a design contract to New Line Skateparks Inc., and to request $5,500 in funding for a geotechnical and site support report on the one-acre site designated for the skatepark.
“We approved New Line Skateparks Inc. to complete the initial conceptual design for a total of $5,500 after a long process,” said Jones. “Our group met and evaluated three proposals from Canadian Ramp Company, Spectrum Skatepark Creations, and New Line Skateparks Inc.”
She added Spectrum Skatepark Creations and New Line Skateparks Inc. were closely matched for the job but they have a member with experience in contract inspection and helped separate the two front-runners.
“We also require a geotechnical report and site survey which could cost $5,500 before any design goes forth,” said Jones. “We looked for the surveys which would have been done for the multiplex and the Penhold Crossing School but could not find them. Copies of the reports would help significantly.”
Mayor Dennis Cooper suggested Clark Builders, who built the school and Parkland Geo Technical, who constructed the multiplex might have the required reports and surveys. He added the soil in the future skatepark area should be the same as for the public facilities nearby.
The motion was split into two requests: one to approve the award of the design contract and a second to request funds for the geotechnical reports and site survey. The design award was passed unanimously while the second motion was put forward so council and the skatepark committee could search for the reports.
Tristan O'Connell was excited about the possibility of a skatepark in Penhold.
“Now we won't have to drive 10 minutes to Red Deer and five minutes to Springbrook,” said eight-year-old Tristan.
His parents, James and Kate, attended the meeting to support the project and their son.
“Our son Tristan got us involved in the skatepark,” added Kate. “He loves skateboarding and will always be there when it is built.”
James O'Connell added they were excited to see a skatepark coming to Penhold as it would be a great asset for the youth of the town.
“The budget for the skatepark is approximately $500,000,” said Jones. “A final budget cost will be available once we have the final design and we can plan our fundraising efforts.”
The skateboard park is tentatively slated for a one-acre piece of land south of the multiplex and Penhold Crossing School. No time frame has been set for construction but a drop dead date of May 1 is in place for the retention of New Line Skateparks Inc. for design services.
