More than a dozen teenagers grabbed their skateboards, BMX bikes and scooters and spent the afternoon shredding the Jasper skatepark and eating hot dogs, Oct. 28, in a bid to raise money for a brand new park.
Organized by the Jasper Skatepark Committee and Community Outreach Services (COS), the group managed to raise $1,200 over three hours, including a $1,000 cheque from the Jasper RCMP.
“We’re trying to let people know we still want to build a new skatepark in Jasper,” said Darrell Savage, president of the Jasper Skatepark Committee.
“We’re just starting our fundraising now. We’re hoping to get a concrete, permanent skatepark from New Line Skateparks,” he said, explaining the Canadian company is the best of the best when it comes to the design and construction of concrete skateparks.
The Jasper skatepark was built in June 2003 and features a handful of metal rails and steel frame jumps and is located next to the Fitness and Aquatic Centre.
According to Savage, the skatepark is starting to show it’s age and he’s worried it could soon become obsolete if a new one isn’t built.
“In Canada every town has a hockey rink and it’s like that now with skateparks. It’s the local hangout spot for kids. It’s where kids go after school and—for families that don’t have a lot of money and can’t put their kids in football or hockey—the kids skateboard.”
Savage acknowledged it’s going to take a lot to build a new park, but didn’t seem fazed by the task.
“If nobody does this then it’s not going to happen,” he said. “The first thing we need to do is get the town on board so that we can get a permanent place.”
While the group lobbies the municipality, Savage said they are aiming to raise $10,000 to pay for a design plan. Once they do that they can then begin applying for grants.
According to Savage, a skatepark can cost anywhere from $500,000 to $1 million.
RCMP Const. Patrick Valle and Const. Mat Belliveau briefly showed up during the fundraiser to show their support and present Savage with a $1,000 cheque.
“When the kids are busy doing fun things like skating or biking they’re not doing other things that we have to deal with,” said Const. Valle, explaining why the RCMP decided to donate to the cause.
“We want them to see us as people they can come and talk to if they have questions or issues.”
Paul Clarke
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