Things are rolling ahead on revamping the skatepark in Lion’s Park in Oliver.
A working meeting is set for March 6 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Oliver Community Centre to talk about work that’s been completed and future ideas at the skatepark.
“I feel that the community has created many places for people to recreate, however, the older children and teens do not currently have a safe place to hang out that doesn’t have a cost attached to it,” said Helene Urcullu, Oliver Parks and Recreation director. “Skate parks offer a greater number of outdoor athletic choices where youth can work on their skills for free.”
The skatepark was built through community support back in 2000 in memory of Joel Waines, an avid skateboarder who died tragically at the age of 16. After 17 years, the facility is showing signs of its age and many of the features have been deemed unusable by the local riders.
Oliver Parks and Recreation proposes to remove some of the older, unsafe features and update the park with additional street style features.
Earlier this year New Line Skateparks was awarded the tender to design and build the new facility. The Langley-based company is facilitating the workshop Tuesday night. There will be a short presentation followed up with a question and discussion period where attendees will be asked to fill out feedback forms to provide their input into the design of the updated park. Refreshments will be provided.
Sheridan hopes the greater community will throw their support behind the project to make it a reality.
“It is wonderful that the Society, the Kiwanis Club of Oliver and the Oliver Legion have listened to the needs of our youth and are willing to invest dollars in increasing their social and physical activity opportunities and give them a renewed sense of pride in their community,” said Sheridan. “Anyone and everyone who thinks improvements to the existing park are a good idea should come to this workshop to provide ideas, whether they are skateboarders, scooter riders, BMXers or parents of children and youth who ride.”
To learn more about the Small Wheels Playground project please contact Carol Sheridan directly at carol@oliverrecreation.ca or 250-498-4985 or visit the project on Facebook www.facebook.com/oliverbcsmallwheels