DIDSBURY - At the regular council meeting on April 10, council approved the final design for the skatepark, which is part of the Didsbury Memorial Complex outlying grounds plan. The vote, which was by a narrow 4-3 margin, came after a presentation from Trevor Morgan of New Line Skate Parks, and some debate.
Didsbury mayor Rhonda Hunter said that the approval means that the Didsbury Sk8park Committee can now apply for funding for the project.
"We approved the design as presented," said Hunter. "It doesn't involve any money. Council allocated $39,000 to the design and concept phase, which is what the design is part of."
The skatepark was left off the town's 2018 capital budget but will be looked at again in 2019.
Nicole Aasen, manager of community services for Didsbury, said that the next step is for the sk8park committee to secure funding for the project.
"The Didsbury Sk8park Committee is working on grant applications and other fundraising efforts. Construction of the skatepark will not happen until funds are in place," said Aasen.
Aasen said the town has already committed the land and $39,000 to the project, which covers the cost for the community engagement and design process. The total cost for the skatepark is expected to be approximately $512,400. The park is approximately 9,500 square feet. The highlights of the park include a street-style design that includes a mini-ramp bowl and a larger deep bowl, rails, a China bank and a combo quarter pipe.
"The committee is working to raise the additional funds for the project," she said. "At this point in time, no additional funds have been committed by council."
