Skate park construction set for October

by Dave Preston

Shovels could be in the ground early October in Lambly Park as construction begins on the Peachland Skate Park.

Peachland council heard Tuesday that a preliminary design presented by Newline Skateparks to a group of youth and interested adults recently was accepted enthusiastically.

The group, which met at a design open house, asked for a few minor changes and Newline will attempt to incorporate them in the final design and within budget limits, according to Cheryl Wiebe, director of community services.

Wiebe asked council to accept the preliminary design so that a public open house could be scheduled for September 19.

The plan, approved by council, is to spend $225,000 to build a skate park in Lambly Park, south of the existing tennis courts.

Council’s next meeting day is September 18 so Wiebe indicated that, barring any unforeseen red flags that could come up at the open house, Newline is ready to send in a construction team that would begin working in early October. Wiebe’s statement suggested that council’s approval of the preliminary design Tuesday was in fact a final approval for the project.

Coun. Eric Hall asked if consideration had been given to installing lights at the skate park to help deter any problems. Wiebe answered that RCMP strongly suggested there be no lights at the skate park, as it would encourage late night skating at the facility.

There may be a need to remove the lower limbs of some trees along Hwy. 97 in order to increase visibility of the skate park. Coun. Terry Condon suggested no limbs be removed until the skate park is built and visibility could be assessed.

Staff reported that work has started on a good neighbour policy, which could see the district take care of any graffiti that appears on the Lambly Park side of neighbouring properties.

Wiebe told PeachlandNews.com that Newline believes it will take four to six weeks to build the skateboard park. Weather permitting, youth could be wheeling through the new facility in mid-November.

Although technically a skate park, the facility will also cater to BMX and mountain bike riders.