By Sheldon Spackman

fundraising stalled

Springbrook Community Skatepark needs corporate support

Jul 15, 2019 | 2:37 PM

Officials with the Springbrook Community Skatepark Committee are turning to the corporate world for help in finishing fundraising for their project.

Adrian Pidhirney, FCSS community worker for Red Deer County says that after a strong start, recent grant funding applications have been unsuccessful, leaving the project at a bit of a standstill.

“It started quite a while ago in 2012 in response to the youth who were saying there was nothing to do in Springbrook,” he recalls. “When youth don’t have anything to do, they create things to do, which can be great in some manners and not so great in others. So we wanted to try and help them out and create something fun, easy, accessible and that everybody could try.”

Pidhirney says designs for the proposed skatepark have been finished for over a year, describing it as having two main parts, including the plaza section which features all of the park’s technical components and the bowl section for those seeking ‘big air’ opportunities.

“It can be used with skateboards, scooters, BMX bikes, the whole nine yards, anything with wheels” he exclaims. “The current design is about 8,000 square feet and it would be located just south of the Springbrook Multiplex, adjoining with the ball diamonds and soccer pitches that are currently in that location.”

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Pidhirney says their fundraising efforts continue but admits the results have slowed down as of late.

“We were quite successful with the CFEP (Community Facility Enhancement Program) grant early this year ($125,000) but unfortunately, haven’t been successful in our last couple of grants to finalize our funding,” he laments. “Red Deer County has been fantastic in donating the land, donating a large chunk of funding for the project ($305,000), but we’re still about $180,000 short to put shovels in the ground.”

With community fundraising efforts adding another $25,000 – bringing the total raised to approximately $455,000, Pidhirney says they now need help from the business community.

“We do have corporate sponsorship opportunities available, so naming rights to the park, naming rights to different components in the park like the bowl section and plaza section,” he explains. “We have different park amenities that can be sponsored as well and there’s some great ideas on how to recognize the sponsors for those areas, including lots of engraved metal artwork and things like that that are rideable features.”

Pidhirney says having a skatepark in Springbrook would bring many benefits to both youth and supporting businesses.

“For the youth it’s a great opportunity to get out of their houses, off the couches and get out and do something active with other kids, away from the tablets, the screens, video games, things like that,” he explains. “We’re expecting it to be a big draw and as far as sponsors go, a lot of people are going to see the company’s name and commitment to community. Its community volunteers getting together and trying to make something happen for the youth of the community.”

For those interested in volunteering or sponsorship opportunities, visit the Springbrook Community Skatepark Committee Facebook page or www.sc-sc.org.