Work commenced last Friday to construct a new skateboard park in Chase, B.C.
The construction of the new multi-use skate park began after the park location was approved by the Village of Chase.
The project would not have been possible if it wasn’t for the tireless work undertaken by members of the Chase & District Skate Park Society, as well as the overwhelming generosity of local contractors, tradespeople and businesses.
The news of the construction finally comes following a long journey that began over a decade ago when it was just a hopeful idea in the minds of young skateboarders.
The idea for constructing a new skate park came to the forefront last summer, when volunteers of the Chase & District Skate Park Society participated in the Kraft Heinz Project Play contest. Despite the Society finishing as a top four finalist out of a record 820 nominations across Canada, they fell short of the Grand Prize of $250,000 and walked away with $20,000 towards their recreational upgrade.
The original plan for the skate park was estimated to cost around $250,000. However, after failing to secure the Grand Prize in the contest, the Society recognized they would have to go back to the drawing board and ended up devising a less expensive upgrade estimated to cost around $60,000.
The new design is intended to beautify the area and make the new skate park an extension of the existing Centennial Park.
Although the society to this date has only raised $40,000, they recently created a Sponsorship Program that they hope will be sufficient in raising the additional funds needed.
The program will offer plaques that will adorn the new trees that will be planted plus other accessories such as bike racks, park benches and picnic tables for sponsor recognition. The sponsorship ranges from $500 - $5,000+.
“We are excited to create this much needed positive and beautiful space for youth from Chase and surrounding communities such as Neskonlith and Adams Lake!” said Kelsey Snelgrove, President of the Chase & District.
Those interested in donating to the construction of the park can find out more information at the Chase Skate Park Facebook page here.
