Local skate moms Crystal Brekke and Coral Byrd are helping to organize a community celebration for the opening of the West Quesnel skate park this Sunday (May 26).
“This event is hosted by the skate park youth to show their gratitude to the community and the City of Quesnel for their support in making this project a reality,” says Brekke.
Located along Baker Creek just west of the West Park Mall, the skate park had a $300,000 face lift last year and is one of the most used playgrounds in the city.
BMX riders, scooter tricksters and skaters all enjoy the ramps, bowls and rollers and a community has formed around the shared love of their sports.
Although the alternative sport crowd might get a bad reputation, Brekke says they are a determined bunch who learn to follow through by sticking with their difficult-to-master sports.
“If you watch them, you see how they encourage one another,” she points out. “You’ll see them attempting a trick. They’ll fall down and they keep getting up and doing it over again and again until they’ve perfected it.”
Byrd agrees and points to the support the skate park crowd give each other as well.
“If they see somebody fall down they might have a laugh but they’ll encourage them to try it again and give them some advice on how to perform the trick better. They’re always giving each other tricks and tips and ideas.”
Both parents say their kids have really blossomed since finding an activity they love at the park.
“It gives everybody the opportunity to be active and find something that belongs to them,” says Brekke, “With my own son, he wasn’t into hockey but as soon as he started this sport he had the encouragement of others. It was like a big family and they just grew.
“Watching him do that made me want to encourage others to find something they love too.”
The celebration takes place from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. and will include some demonstrations by the athletes who use the park. Anyone is welcome to take part and prizes will be offered.
Pizza and water will be provided as well. Attendees are asked to bring along a toonie or two non-perishable items, which will be donated to the Salvation Army food bank.
READ MORE: West Quesnel skate park ready to ride
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