A large group of Columbia Valley Skateboard Association (CVSA) members and supporters turned out to the Committee of Whole meeting on Jan. 26 to show support for their project.
They’re asking for $225,000 in funding from the city to make their dream a reality after years of campaigning and fundraising for their concept.
“I think that everybody realises that it is getting down to crunch time for this project and there is a big request coming in for council to consider for the budget,” mayor Mark McKee said.
The total budget for the skateboard park is $1,048,515. $497,520 has been secured through funding leaving a shortfall of $550,995.
Because of this the CVSA has agreed to a redesign of the skateboard park to fit within a smaller budget. Skatepark designer New Line Skateparks has indicated that a smaller scale park would still appeal to a variety of riders and could be designed for somewhere between $700,000–$800,000.
This would mean a smaller 16,000 square foot park than the original proposed 20,000 square foot park.
“[16,000 square feet] is the current minimal size for what we would consider a success,” CVSA member Chris Payne told the council.
The CVSA is currently on a fundraising campaign with the goal of raising $100,000 in cash. If successful, the group will still have a shortfall of $100,000 to $200,000 for a 2017 build.
“We really need the full $225,000 to make this happen,” Payne said. “As a group we know this is money really well spent.”
Payne estimated that the park will last 35–40 years because of the quality of construction materials available. It will also require very little maintenance once built.
“This is what makes communities great is having assets like this,” Councillor Duke said. “These guys have been fighting for this.”
The request will go to budget discussions before going to city council with a recommendation.
Things to note:
To date, a total of $497,520 has been secured through the following funding sources:
- Resort Municipality Initiative Funds — $250,000
- PRC Budget — $25,000
- CBT Community Infrastructure Program — $150,000
- CBT Community Initiatives — $20,000
- Credit Union Recreation Infrastructure — $10,000
- CVSA Fundraising Initiatives — $42,520
- If the City does not commit to constructing the project within the 2017/18 fiscal year, Columbia Basin Trust will reallocate the funds to another project and the city will have to reapply for these funds during another intake period.
- RMI funding is contingent upon project start up by the end of 2017. Chances of finding another funding source for this amount of money are very slim.
- Newline Skateparks Inc. was selected as the contractor for the design/build. They have advised that they are not available for a spring build. If the project is moving forward in 2017, construction will not start until late summer or early fall. This most likely will result in the project completion date moving into 2018.
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