By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

New Innisfail skate park to roll out in 2019

Aug 16, 2018 | 2:05 PM

Construction will go ahead in 2019 on a new skate park in Innisfail.

Town council approved the project and its hefty price-tag at its meeting this week.

The skateboard portion of the project is tabbed at $850,000, including an expanded bowl which wasn’t in the original design. It is located at 51 Avenue and 42 Street, just west of the hospital.

The bigger bowl is only possible however because the Town will also be relocating the nearby horseshoe pits. With that included, the total budget is $1.057 million, including a 12 per cent contingency fund.

“It’s been on the docket for quite a few years,” says CAO Todd Becker, noting the funds will likely come from reserves. “It’s a huge investment in our community. We’re looking forward to solidifying a funding model that help takes the pressure off the tax portion of the project and moving it forward in 2019.”

10 to 15 metres

Red Deer residents concerned with increased building heights in new Zoning Bylaw

2h ago

Byelection April 22, 2024

Advance voting for Red Deer's byelection runs April 18-20

17h ago

family physician

New doctor working at Easthill clinic in Red Deer

18h ago

A report to council states that the local horseshoe club has indicated a general acceptance of the proposal and would like to see the pits stay in the Rotary Park area.

There is an area between the current men’s ball diamond and the playground which is being looked at. They only asked the Town to ensure that either way, they have a horseshoe pit to use for their annual tournament next May.

“If we want to grow the community and bring in younger families, we need to have the amenities that will draw them in, and things like ball diamonds, the arena and the pool are all fantastic,” says Russ Klemmer, Innisfail Kinsmen president. “But this I think will be another jewel for the town of Innisfail to bring those younger families with kids that enjoy skateboarding.”

Thus far, the Kinsmen and Kinettes have raised around $50,000 for the project, and will continue to raise as much as possible in order to offset the cost to taxpayers. Becker says there is a CFEP grant application in the works as well.

The upcoming Weekend of Wheels event on September 8 will benefit the skate park fundraising efforts.