It could be a while before West Shore skateboarders and BMXers can drop into a quarter pipe or pull off a sweet nosegrind on the site of the Juan de Fuca recreation centre in Colwood, but local enthusiasts are celebrating a first step towards achieving that end.
Earlier this month, West Shore Parks and Recreation approved a potential site near The Q Centre and the golf course for a future skatepark. A concept design will now be requested to verify the siteB次元官网网址檚 feasibility.
B次元官网网址淭he board has said yes, letB次元官网网址檚 move ahead and get some more information. LetB次元官网网址檚 find out if we can build one there,B次元官网网址� said Linda Barnes, West Shore Parks and Recreation SocietyB次元官网网址檚 administrator.
The society has been in regular contact with the Westshore Skatepark Coalition and Barnes said those discussions will continue to ensure any designs are met favourably by the parkB次元官网网址檚 potential users. Having a cohesive voice from the public, she added, has been B次元官网网址渆ssential.B次元官网网址�
B次元官网网址淲e wouldnB次元官网网址檛 build something like this without that kind of input. We donB次元官网网址檛 want to build a park that kids donB次元官网网址檛 want to play on,B次元官网网址� she said.
B次元官网网址淲e want to find the best use of that space and make it as friendly as possible for as many kids as possible.B次元官网网址�
Jimmy Miller, president of the coalition, was pleased with the news that West Shore Parks and Rec has decided to explore a potential site.
B次元官网网址淚t means that our efforts havenB次元官网网址檛 gone unnoticed. That thereB次元官网网址檚 a sympathetic ear and a recognition of the purpose of our plight. ItB次元官网网址檚 a very validating step,B次元官网网址� he said.
Since its formation early last year, the coalition has met with the West ShoreB次元官网网址檚 five municipalities in a campaign to bring a skate park back to the area after the park near the former Belmont secondary was closed in October 2015.
The Juan de Fuca site would be ideal for many reasons, according to Miller.
B次元官网网址淚t makes a great spot because of the amenities nearby,B次元官网网址� he said, pointing to washrooms and first aid stations in the immediate vicinity and the potential for lighting.
The many other recreation facilities in the area also make it convenient for parents wishing to give their kids some time at the park while they engage in other activities, Miller continued.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 a good fit in my mind.B次元官网网址�
As for design, Miller and the coalition, all of whom are skateboarders, plan to engage with BMXers and other potential users in order to submit their hopes for any eventual plan.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 a large enough site that it could facilitate a bowl or a plaza-type street skatepark,B次元官网网址� he noted.
Eventually, Miller would like to see a satellite park or two around the region, but heB次元官网网址檚 trying not to get ahead of himself and he recognizes that an initial park could still be a ways away.
The Victoria resident has been involved in previous skate park initiatives in the past. His passion for the sport is what has led him to get involved in projects, such as on the West Shore, that might not directly impact either he or his skateboarding children.
B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檝e been advocating for skate parks since I was a 10 year-old kid B次元官网网址� if thereB次元官网网址檚 a skateboard cause, I believe in it,B次元官网网址� he said.
joel.tansey@goldstreamgazette.com
