Centre Wellington’s parks, recreation and cultural advisory committee is supporting, in principle, the concept of a BMX/skateboard park.
Last month, Staci Barron made a presentation about the possibility of a BMX/skateboard park in Elora.
Her concerns included the lack of activity with the greenspace adjacent to the Elora arena, as well as the lack of facilities for teenagers who are not involved with team Sports.
In Centre Wellington’s master recreation plan from March 2009, it was mentioned that a BMX/skateboard park is a facility lacking in the township.
Discussion during the meeting suggested the space adjacent to the Elora arena is not currently utilized (approximately 80 by 160 feet).
Some have identified this as a good location for the park because no trees would need to be removed, hydro is in place, amenities are there (washrooms, parks staff), it is easily accessible, and police can see the park from the road.
The projected cost of the park is $400,000, but the hope would be to get service clubs to sponsor some of the equipment, in addition to fundraising endeavours and corporate sponsors.
The township has slated $20,000 for the BMX track in 2014 and $160,000 for the skateboard park in 2017.
Barron met with five teenage boys to discuss the benefits of a skateboard park and the desired features.
Five different drawings were drafted with various features.
While other options were discussed, the immediate goal is to start with a small BMX park and some skateboarding equipment.
The parks, recreation and cultural advisory committee voted to support the idea in principle to further explore the implementation and timing of BMX/skateboard park in keeping with the master plan of 2009.
Centre Wellington council accepted the report without comment at its Nov. 18 meeting – but no decision was made by councillors.
