BMX, skateboard park to roll this summer

Summerside -

BMX riders and skateboarders can look forward to a new state-of-the-art park later this summer.
The City of Summerside has called for tenders to construct the $250,000 recreational facility later this summer.
Aaron MacDonald, director of the city's technical services department, said the tenders should go to the technical services committee in early June and then to city council later this month for final approval. Once that is completed work can begin.
The new park will be park of the Credit Union Place complex. It's going to be built between Willow Street and the turf field. The park will be 18 meters by 21 meters.
MacDonald said the new riding park will consist of two concrete bowls that go down into the ground.
"On the top edge will be a concrete apron or flat area where they can get up on their bikes and ride down into the bottom of these bowls and they have these curves," he said.
MacDonald said the city had very little expertise in designing this type of facility and searched to find companies that have designed similar parks in other centres across the country.
"We had a local user from another project who does a lot of other local stuff and he partnered with this firm from Toronto and he brought them down and showed us some designs that had been done in different areas," he said.
MacDonald said the city consulted local BMX enthusiasts for some direction on what would be required for a safe bike park. He said they would review the designs presented and picked the one they thought had the best features and best suited the needs of the area's biking public.
"The design they picked was one at the middle of the road," MacDonald said. "It was one that would interest the beginner and also challenge the ones that are middle of the roaders. I don't think it was meant to be at an expert type level."
The park will have posted rules for required safety gear and the overall operation of the park.
Funding for the bike park was announced in March and will be financed by all three levels of government. The federal government through Recreation Infrastructure Canada is contributing $82,500 to the $250,000 project and the provincial government, through the Island Community Fund is providing $150,000 leaving the city to come up with the remainder of the cost.

Lori: - June 21st, 2010 at 19:07:23

I think this is a great announcement for our youth. A place for them to exercise, master their favorite sport be it BMX, skateboard, or just a place to be with friends. People are always so negative when it comes to the youth. I for one am excited to see this place open and hopefully my children will get the opportunity to use it. Way to go Summerside!

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Ben: - June 21st, 2010 at 19:07:16

More $$$$$ wasted ........................YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Daniel: - June 21st, 2010 at 19:05:52

I think the park with some nice colour Graffitti will look awesome, Some concrete bowls? wow, wish we had this park when I had blades strapped to my feet! Yes there are better ways of spending money at this point but they didnt build rome in a day!
Some Graffitti is fine work so to me there is no difference if they use there skills with a paint brush or a spray can. Nagitive Negitve,
I'm happy for all you Sk8ers,bladers and bmxers!!! whoop whoop

Eddie: - June 21st, 2010 at 19:05:39

Well i dont bmx or drive a skateboard but this is long over due. Most cities have them, and its great to watch these kids. I would rather my kids out there doing sports then playing xbox, tv or on the darn computer.

Sam: - June 21st, 2010 at 19:05:37

Wonder how long before the kids have it destroyed with graffiti and such

Tired of the Negative!: - June 21st, 2010 at 19:05:02

Nothing but Negative? Why? Giving the kids someplace to do something with their time is always good! They'll be active, aren't we as a community supposed to be encouraging our children to be active. Maybe they'll be too busy to 'destroy' this park!
Negative perpetuates Negative!!! You keep telling these kids how bad they are, they will live up to your expectations!

Daniel: - June 21st, 2010 at 19:04:49

Lisa: - June 21st, 2010 at 19:04:41

I think it's great...finally something for kids to do around here. And if they want to graffiti it then let them...some people call this art and the 250,000 that it cost to build it won't be destroyed.

Sam: - June 21st, 2010 at 19:04:27

Let me guess. Lisa and Candy don't live in the area of the new park.....so why would graffiti bother them.....ask the people after the park goes up what happens to their property value.

Miles: - June 21st, 2010 at 19:03:54

Just because you don't use it does not mean it's money wasted. Who really cares if there's graffiti on it? It's a bike/skateboard park.

Bravo!: - June 21st, 2010 at 19:03:31

Yes!!! I'm so glad that the kids are getting this opportunity. Some older folks may not realize that these kids have steam to burn off, and directing this energy into perfecting their moves on bikes and skateboarding in hopes of one day competing nationally and internationally is definitely a step in the right direction. Concerning the graffiti, I would actually be disappointed if there wasn't any. Anyone who has seen true graffiti art will not mind it there. There are photographers who actually go around collecting photos of them because they're so ephemeral and truly a work of art. Also, where are the kids going now to practice skateboarding and biking? In public places where they sometimes put pedestrians in danger, also dangerous spots where they may not get the protective guards that a park can provide. Sometimes the wear and tear of the wheels can do irreparable damage to the areas where they go. Bravo to the City of Summerside! (And by the way, for those wondering, I'm nowhere near the age to be doing this and have never stepped on a skateboard in my life, but I encourage kids to pursue activities. I'd rather see them do this then stay at home in front of the TV).

Gordie: - June 21st, 2010 at 19:03:24

So Miles............ just because it is a bike/skateboard park , does that mean graffie is O.K ??????GIVE YOUR HEAD A SHAKE!!!!!!!!!!!!! Paying 250,000 for something & having it look like a pig pen a short time later........... That's really nice

Candy: - June 21st, 2010 at 19:02:37

I agree with Lisa. Not every person that does graffiti in this town is out to vandalize property...and the graffiti that these artist do produce is time consuming and costly to the individual. Have you ever looked at the production done on the back of Shur-gain, that is art and not just some kid tagging a mailbox or random wall. I welcome the new park and the graffitti.