Construction of a new concrete skate park in Sparwood will continue thanks to recent funding from the District of Sparwood.
At the August 21 regular council meeting, Sparwood Council approved the allocation of an additional $160,483 for the Sparwood Skatepark Project, bringing total funds to $500,000. This additional funding will enable the Sparwood Skatepark Society to begin work this fall and ensure that they do not lose their grant from Columbia Basin Trust in the amount of $150,000. In addition to this generous support, District of Sparwood contributed land, administrative support and will steward the completed park.
Columbia Basin Trust donated a $150,000 Recreation Infrastructure Grant in 2016. Sparwood Futures Society, Elk Valley Thrift Society, Western Financial Group and East Kootenay Community Credit Union and dozens of other individuals and groups also donated.
In two years, the Sparwood Skatepark Society raised $338,000—over half of the goal of $620,000.
The dream of a new skate park has been alive since the 1990s. This fall, the Sparwood Skatepark Society is looking forward to make this dream come true.
The park will be located beside the Sparwood Leisure Complex, and will measure just under 10,000 sq ft and utilize 6,319 metres of rebar, over 9180 cubic feet of concrete and cost $563,900 to construct. Once complete the park will be almost 190 ft long and 60 feet in width at its widest point.
The park itself will contain 18 independent features including a 3’ quarter pipe, open bowl, stair sets, rails, slappy features, ledges, bars, up gaps and hubbas, bank hips and pump bumps.
Newline Skateparks of Calgary, Alberta was engaged to consult with Sparwood youth as part of an intensive design process which was initiated and funded by the Sparwood Futures Society in 2013.
The Sparwood Skatepark Society is now reaching out to the community to fund the remaining $120,000 in hopes of maintaining the park’s original youth-led design.
There are upwards of $100,000 of in-kind donation opportunities, such as construction materials and lodging for workers. The society has until December 31st to raise the needed $120,000 to complete the design. Contact latka@telus.net to donate. Receipts will be issued.
“The skateboard park is something the community has needed for years,” said Nicole Latka, President of Sparwood Skatepark Society. “We are so grateful for the generosity and support shown by our community.”
The Sparwood Skatepark Society is a registered non-profit with the sole aim of funding a modern, concrete skateboard park in Sparwood.