A lot of options when it comes to skatepark in Welland
WELLAND, ONTARIO — When it comes to relocating Welland’s skatepark, there are a lot of options to be discussed.
Ideas of where to put it, what it should be made of, and how it can be funded, were all discussed by a group of youths at a public meeting Saturday held at Youth Innovations in the Seaway Mall.
Youth Innovations leader Ryanne Hale said the initial meeting was meant to help youths express their ideas and concerns about the skatepark — which has to be relocated due to the expansion of Rose City Seniors Activity Centre.
The city has indicated it’s preferred a location is one where concrete is already poured, Hale said, adding if that’s not possible they will assist the youth centre in having it poured.
Still, the centre will have to create fundraising ventures and sponsorship opportunities to help contribute to the cost, she added.
“We want to have the skatepark in an area that’s accessible,” she said, because a lot of the youths who use the current park are too young to drive.
She said it’s important that the park be relocated so youths have somewhere to safely hang out with one another.
“It’s a recreational area too, so they’re staying active,” added Emily Vos, who’s also a leader at the youth recreation centre.
The meeting drew roughly a dozen people interested in sharing their thoughts about the park — including members of the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council.
Ideally, the park will be relocated to an area that’s within walking distance of a store or restaurant similar to Tim Hortons, making drinks and bathrooms accessible, Hale said. The park should also be relatively close to either Welland hospital or a walk-in clinic, in case of injuries.
Ideas for locations were thrown out by attendees, including a portion of the parking lot near the sports complex, the old Phantom Vacuum building, and beside the Lincoln St. plaza where the old Ball Hockey International rink was located.
Brandon Laing, chair of the youth advisory council, said it still hasn’t been determined whether or not money for the skatepark has been included in Welland’s budget.
In response, Hale said she’d be looking into recreational grants the city could apply for in order to help fund the park.
Welland resident Rick Gaskell said it would be beneficial for the city to either build an outdoor cement park, or indoor wooden park. An outdoor cement park would require little maintenance and be a permanent fixture in the city. Wooden ramps are more cost-effective but are only ideal for an indoor park, he said.
Some attendees at the meeting complained about the equipment at the current park, saying the steel ramps are slippery and can be dangerous when any condensation builds. There were also complaints of no lighting.
Hale said some new equipment is expected to be provided by the city once a new location is chosen and planning begins.
Gaskell said an indoor park could be created, along with a stage to host performances by bands to help gain revenue for the city.
If the park was created indoors, it could have set hours and therefore would be difficult to vandalize and easier to monitor, Laing said.
Attendees discussed the possibility of charging an annual fee for the park, keeping it free for children 12 and under.
Kelsie Chasse, a member of the youth advisory council, said concessions similar to the ones at Welland Arena, could be set up to help generate revenue.
It was also suggested sponsorship signs similar to the arena could be used to help support maintenance of the park.
Hale said there would be additional meetings on the skatepark relocation in the near future.
For more information or to share any comments, contact Youth Innovations at 905-735-9009.
mfirth@wellandtribune.ca
[ Welland Tribune ]
