Skateboarder Ricky Launier launches into the air during a workout at the Oliver Skatepark, which may see some upgrading in the future.
Lyonel Doherty photo
On Wednesday, Nov. 6 Kyle Dion and his team from New Line Skateparks will be coming to Oliver to do an inspection of the Oliver Skatepark and hold a concept design workshop with park users at the Oliver Community Centre.
A pair of local youth made initial contact with Mayor Ron Hovanes at the end of the summer and set up a subsequent meeting with Parks and Recreation manager Carol Sheridan that drew more than 35 park users of all ages on September 11. This meeting was an opportunity to walk through the park facility with the users and gain a better understanding of safety and design concerns, as well as discuss the process that would need to happen in order to make any changes to the existing facility.
This process was kick-started on September 16 when a delegation of youth, led by Noah Zakall, presented its concerns about the skatepark to the Oliver Parks and Recreation Society.
The average skateboarder is approximately 10-15 years old, however, people of all ages use the park.
Zakall said the park is outdated and presents a number of safety concerns. For example, one of the straight rails is bent and difficult to use.
He also pointed out the half pipe apparatus does not have enough room to land tricks safely. Injuries have occurred on the half pipe drop off due to the limited space on top of the apparatus.
Zakall said the skatepark was not well designed because most features are not placed well or don’t allow adequate space. He noted that pyramid angles are too steep.
The delegates stated the basketball nets located at the end of the park limit skateboards from having a continuous flow pattern. Therefore, it was suggested the nets be relocated.
The youth also stated they would be willing to assist with a fundraising campaign to address improvements.
The society passed a resolution to instruct staff to bring in an expert in the field of skatepark facilities to do a site inspection, meet with the local users to gather feedback, and create a report including a concept design and costing formula for potential improvements to the park. This report will be reviewed by the society in 2014.
The Oliver Skatepark was built in 2000 as a result of years of hard work and tireless efforts by a local group of caring individuals who formed the Oliver Skatepark Society, in partnership with the Town of Oliver.
Funds and building materials came from in-kind donations from service clubs, local businesses as well as the Town of Oliver and a one-time grant from the “Spirit of BC.”
Over the years the park has seen much use by children, youth and adults from all over the world, and this subsequent “wear and tear” on the facility is showing.
The style of skateboarding and other small wheel use such as scooters has changed significantly since the park’s completion almost 15 years ago, as well as the general use of Lion’s Park where the skatepark is located.
The local youth who spend time at the park regularly feel that the time has come to “revitalize” the skatepark to meet the changing needs and trends of small wheel sports and ensure all of the features are safe for park users.
The design workshop hosted by New Line is open to the general public and will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 6 at 6 pm in Meeting Room 2 at the Oliver Community Centre.
Sheridan from Oliver Parks and Recreation encourages as many of the local park users as possible to come out to the meeting and provide their ideas and input.
