KAWARTHA LAKES-“Skating To A Better Future” is the motto for the development of a new permanent skatepark in Lindsay.
On Friday BGC Kawarthas announced it had received $475,000 from the Community Building Fund – Capital grant from the Government of Ontario and administered by the Ontario Trillium Foundation to build Lindsay’s first permanent skatepark.
Funds from the grant are being used to help with the design, construction and equipment costs for the skatepark. Once completed, it will be compatible with scooters, BMX bikes and skateboards, and will be available seven days a week for Club participants and the public as well.
“A new skatepark will be a fantastic addition to our community and will be a hub where youth can gather to participate in social sports like skateboarding and biking,” said Laurie Scott, MPP for Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock. “This is a long-awaited project for Lindsay and I’m thrilled this grant will be able to bring the project to life with the help and guidance of BGC Kawarthas.”
The planning for a community skatepark at BGC Kawarthas dates back to 2010 when the Club conducted focus group sessions with youth and the community. Support for the project has continued to grow to include Club participants, the Kawartha Lakes Police Service, the Lindsay business community and active youth groups. The new facility will be located next to the Club’s outdoor basketball courts and will be completely accessible to George Street. Construction will begin in Fall 2022.
“The addition of a skatepark reinforces our value and impact to the community as a hub for children and youth,” says Amy Terrill, Executive Director. “With our Youth Services and Sports teams adding programming to complement the public use of the new skatepark, we see it as an important way to offer safe recreational activities and support community health and wellbeing. That’s why we’re calling it our Skate to a Better Future project.”
BGC Kawarthas is one of the area’s largest child and youth-serving organizations. Established in 1970, the Club provides summer camps, before and after school programs, early learning, licensed childcare, child, youth and family support services, sports, recreation, and adventure programs in ten local communities. Club locations currently serve over 8,000 children, youth, and their families through services that foster self-esteem, build skills, and develop character
“I would like to congratulate BGC Kawarthas for turning this vision into reality. A purpose built skatepark will address a void in our municipal recreation infrastructure and will attract young people who may not participate in more traditional recreational activities. BGC Kawarthas is ideally suited to be the caretaker of this facility and to ensure that it is a safe and welcoming environment for all.” said Chief Mark Mitchell, Kawartha Lakes Police Service.
“As Chair of the Advisory Committee for the Kawartha Lakes Community Safety and Well-being Plan, I am also excited that the skatepark will be focused on children and youth, which is one of the priority areas in our plan. Thank you to everyone who has supported this project and provided the youth in Kawartha Lakes with the opportunity to Skate to a Better Future!”
