SPRINGBROOK – A skatepark is coming to Springbrook.
For the past six years, the Springbrook Skatepark Committee has fundraised to build a new and needed skatepark in the small Red Deer County hamlet of 1,500 people.
Just after the new year and following several applications to the provincial government, the committee learned it qualified for a matching CFEP (Community Facility Enhancement Program) grant in the amount of $125,000.
"It feels fantastic to finally get (the grant),” said Adrian Pidhirney, a director with the Springbrook committee. “We've been working hard and long to get it."
The matching provincial grant now brings the total amount raised to about $455,000. That includes a $305,000 contribution from Red Deer County and $25,000 raised through community fundraising efforts.
The committee still must raise an additional $180,000 and the total cost of the skatepark is estimated at $635,000.
"The county's been exceptionally supportive," said Pidhirney, noting the wait for funding. "They've put lots of money into recreation programs all over the county but Springbrook has been overlooked because of its proximity to Red Deer.
"They thought this might be a great opportunity to do something in a county hamlet, directly serving county residents," he added.
Spectrum Skateparks in B.C. has partnered with New Line Skateparks in Alberta to design and build the Springbrook skatepark, noted Pidhirney, adding they expect to begin construction later this summer and complete the project by the spring of 2020.
Innisfail’s million-dollar skatepark project will begin this summer as well.
Meanwhile, the Penhold Skatepark Committee is continuing its fundraising efforts.
“We’ve raised over $100,000 so far,” said Brenda Mahoney. “I am thrilled for Springbrook and thrilled they are getting the (CFEP) funding.”
The Penhold committee has raised about $112,000 over the past several years. That amount includes a $50,000 donation of land from the Town of Penhold.
She noted the progress of Penhold’s skatepark project and the length of time it can take to complete.
“I know that Sylvan Lake (skatepark project) took 10 years,” said Mahoney. “It’s not unusual to take 10 years, it really isn’t.
“I’ve never lost hope. It’s going to happen (in Penhold),” she added.
Pidhirney said Springbrook committee members are still looking for some corporate sponsorship and have opportunities available to name the skatepark and perhaps some of the elements in the park as well.
The skatepark will be built in the sports field, beside the ball diamond and adjacent to the soccer pitches, he noted.
“With so many young families and children in town this is going to be a big boost to the community," Pidhirney concluded.
