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Mentors available at north Red Deer YMCA skatepark

May 19, 2023 | 8:00 PM

The north Red Deer YMCA says its skatepark is once again open, and now includes on-site mentors from the organization.

The Y’s skatepark mentors are experienced skaters and BMX bikers who want to help make sure the skatepark remains a safe and inclusive space for kids and youth of all skill levels and backgrounds to enjoy, the YMCA says.

“The biggest part for me is just creating community engagement and connections,” one skatepark mentor explained in a video on the YMCA’s social media channels, adding, “engaging with the kids, teaching what you love to do … just being a positive influence on everyone and trying to make this place a better community.”

The YMCA Skatepark Mentorship program was piloted in 2021.

After a successful first run, Border Paving made a donation to staff the park all summer for 2022 and 2023.

This has since expanded to the downtown skatepark, where mentors will start in July.

Youth can find YMCA skatepark mentors at the Glendale Skatepark Monday to Friday from 2:30 to 7:30 p.m., and noon– 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays until the end of June. Starting in July, their weekday hours will expand to 12:30 to 8:30 p.m. and they can be found at the Red Deer Skatepark downtown from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Visit ymcanab.ca/skatepark to meet Northside Community Centre YMCA’s skatepark mentors for 2023 and learn more about youth programs at the Y.