Neepawa Skate Park needs a new home
- Details
- Published on Thursday, August 20, 2015
By Eoin Devereux
The Neepawa Banner
The Town of Neepawa wants to know if there’s any local interest in the construction of a new, permanent skate park. The current seasonal park, located north of the RCMP building, has been in service for just over 10 years. The original cost for materials and assembly for the ramps in 2005 was around $10,000, with the majority of that investment provided by the Town.
Neepawa leisure services manager Amanda Novak said that park’s current location is not a feasible long term option, as it is too small and not suitable for any type of expansion that may allow it to accommodate BMXers. Novak added that municipal administration would like to speak with any individuals or community groups interested in spearheading the project.
“We’d like to see an organization come forward and present a plan [to Town Council] within the next year. Leisure Services could work with them, serving as a liaison to council. We could also serve as a resource to aid them in the preparation of proposals to potential grants,” said Novak.
The idea of a seasonal park in the Flats, with equipment that could be removed from the grounds in the winter had previously been considered. Novak said that option has been rejected due to its cost being likely as much as a permanent structure and there being possible issues with removal and storage of materials during the winter. She said that the current belief is that a permanent park would produce a better final product with more longevity. Novak added that the Flats may be the most viable location, because the Town could donate a piece of land, but that the Town will work with any community groups interested in fundraising for the project in finding the best possible location.
“I’m hoping that the community at large will see this as an investment in our youth,” stressed Novak. “It is something that the young people [of Neepawa] could use. It’d be accessible and free for anyone to use. In my opinion, it would be a worthy project if somebody was willing to put in the time to help get it off the ground.”
