(Town of Ponoka file photo)

By rdnewsNOW staff

General Lack Of Respect

Ponoka skate park closed due to vandalism and COVID violations

Sep 29, 2020 | 3:18 PM

Unfortunate circumstances for youth in Ponoka as Hamilton’s Skate Park has now been closed for the remainder of the season.

Town officials say the move follows numerous complaints from the public about violations of COVID-19 gathering restrictions, and will allow Town Operations crews time to repair extensive damage done to the site.

Repairs include:

• Removing graffiti and profanity spray painted throughout the facility;
• Repairing fencing that has been damaged by individuals trying to gain access to the locked facility after hours;
• Filling holes that have been dug around the outer edges of the Skate Park;
• Replacing damaged and stolen signage; and
• Replacing damaged garbage receptacles.

“There has been a general lack of respect for the site by facility users,” said Andrew Jones, Town of Ponoka Recreation Coordinator, in a press release. “Warnings have been given throughout the summer but that didn’t resolve the ongoing problems.”

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Once repairs to the facility are completed, the Town is expected to reassess how to best manage the operation of the Skate Park before it reopens next year.

“If we see similar behavior next year, we will have to consider closing the facility again,” said Jones, noting the Town will continue to work with the Ponoka RCMP and the Town’s Bylaw Enforcement Officer to monitor the site.