It was 20 years ago this summer when construction on the Kanaka Skatepark in Ganges began.
After an initial struggle to raise the estimated $250,000 needed to kickstart construction, the Lions Club of Salt Spring Island came through with a $100,000 donation in May of 2004 to essentially give the Salt Spring Skatepark Society the ignition key to the cement truck.
At the time, the 12,000-square-foot project was lauded for achieving Ecosmart status due to its use of an environmentally sensitive cement mix, its design and its affordability, the latter owing largely to volunteer labour and major contributions from contractors and other local businesses.
The park has served the community well, but current skatepark society board members say it’s time for an addition and an upgrade. What’s proposed is a 4,600-square-foot expansion at an estimated cost of $357,000, according to an estimate from a Vancouver Island-based skatepark design company called Radius. The plan will see new features added, including several that are ideal for novice skaters, in an area that is closer to the School District 64’s TASK program, as well as integrated landscaping and seating areas.
As always, partnerships are key to any project’s success, and the skatepark society will be needing local business contributions, and support from government and non-profit organizations.
Salt Spring Local Community Commission (LCC) members were somewhat gobsmacked to hear a recent presentation from skatepark society members that did not involve a request for funds. The group just needs approval since the facility is a CRD/LCC entity through a joint use agreement it has with School District 64, which owns the 1.2-acre parcel housing the skatepark.
It’s easy to assume that Salt Spring’s population is just getting older and greyer by the year, but families continue to move to the island, while others manage to find ways to stay and thrive. Amenities like the Kanaka Skatepark and others geared towards youth will help ensure that continues to be the case. We encourage support from all quarters for the park expansion as the society’s plans develop.