While in the past there has been much vocal support for a skatepark in Elora, a recent meeting to consider where to locate such a faciltiy one was poorly attended.
The Aug. 24 meeting drew just two members of the general public; the remainder of the dozen people who attended included consultants, Centre Wellington recreation staff, councillors and media.
Township staff, with council’s approval, retained Stempski Kelly Associates Inc. (SKA) to facilitate the public process to identify Elora site options for a future skatepark.
A press release from the township indicated it was approached by Skatepark Elora, a group passionate about creating a space where residents and skateboarders can come together to actively participate.
Skatepark Elora has been enthusiastically fundraising for the establishment, identifying commitments toward its goal of $350,000. In total up to $48,630 has been raised by the group – in cash and promises. The Centre Wellington capital forecast identifies $150,000 toward the project in 2018.
In order to start planning and facilitate additional fundraising it is time to identify possible skatepark locations.
The township’s recreation master plan states, “These facilities should be distributed in a manner that maximizes access from population concentrations and some may be ideal compliments to existing facilities.”
“We are enthusiastic to work with stakeholders, the public and Stempski Kelly Associates Inc. on this project,” said Brian Detzler, Centre Wellington’s managing director of community services.
“SKA is a local landscape architecture firm which has been working with the skatepark group and has vast experience in facilitating public processes to identify locations and options for this type of facility.
“It is important for us to evaluate these and make decisions which lead us to our long-term plans based on our planning processes to date.”
The public open house on Aug. 24 was intended to share/gather information on four potential sites in Elora.
Generally, skatepark enthusiasts seek a safe place, access to washrooms and convenience, and access to help.
Site A: Elora Lions Park
The park is located on the southwest corner of the David Street and Wellington Road 7 intersection.
Comments about this location from those at the meeting include:
– the park has a heavily used ball diamond;
– across heavily used county road; and
– moving kids across the road “a disaster in the making.”
Site B: Elora and District Community Centre
The community centre is located south of David Street and east of Wellington Road 7.
Comments on this site:
– there may be an impact on parking;
– impact to trees;
– it’s close to town core;
– impact to existing ball diamond (would it need to be moved?);
– removal of trees would allow growth to full BMX park;
– existing access to staff;
– existing lighting;
– only affects a few property owners;
– close to downtown;
– not too close to schools;
– close to trails; and
– existing sidewalks.
Site C: Bissell Park
Comments on this site, which is located between Mill Street and the Grand River, include:
– close to town core;
– already highly-used park; and
– river will carry the noise.
Site D: South Ridge Park
The park is situated northeast of the intersection of Bridge and Stafford Streets.
Comments included:
– far from town core;
– difficult terrain;
– not central to village; and
– poor parking.
SKA’s Sean Kelly said he hopes to have a document analyzing community input by September. He anticipates the next public presentation will include a site location and potential implications.
Kelly noted a major skatepark has been a recommendation on the books for Centre Wellington since 2009 and is part of the township recreation master plan.
