INNISFAIL – The town’s new skatepark may not be officially open, but that didn’t stop excited kids and youth from using the completed million-dollar recreation facility.
“This skatepark is way better. There’s a lot more room and a lot more people can use it too, so it’s a lot more fun,” said Branden Gormley, noting some of the new features during an interview on Oct. 18. “I like the stairs.
“It’s really good,” he added. “I’ll be here probably every day.”
The 20-year-old Innisfail resident has been an avid skateboarder for more than seven years. He said building the new skatepark was the right idea and a worthwhile investment for the town.
“It keeps a lot of kids out of trouble. If there’s nothing better to do, they can come skateboard,” said Gormley. “We really need it, for sure. “
Other users, including 10-year-old Chase Shaw, were just as excited about the skatepark’s soft opening last Thursday (Oct. 17).
“I like biking,” said Shaw. “I love it. It’s the best thing that the town has added.”
Innisfail mayor Jim Romane dropped by the skatepark on Thursday and spoke with several kids and youth who were enjoying the new state-of-the-art recreational facility.
“They love it. I was down there at the park with them,” said Romane. “There were scooters and bicycles. They’re having a ball.
“We’re going to try and have more of an official opening next week,” added the mayor, noting some final touches to be done. “They’ve got the area fenced off, but they’ve got some sod and shrubs to put down in some of the areas yet."
