The Summerland Asset Development Initiative has added a skate park ramp at the Unity Youth Centre.
The new half pipe, which was completed last week, will be officially opened on July 26.
R.J. Dueck, a professional skate park designer and builder, designed the facility. He has directed the construction on more than 50 of the largest and most recognized skate parks in North America, including the Penticton Skate Park.
Other professionals in the field, as well as volunteers and students came out to support the construction.
Shawn Hoffarth of Skatelife Canada, a division of Young Life Canada, helped to build the half pipe with the students.
Laceydawn Loeppky, youth activities coordinator at the youth centre, said the cost of the facility was $900. In addition, Summerland Builders’ Mart donated around $700 worth of materials for the half pipe.
While Summerland has had a skateboard park in place since the 1990s, Loeppky said the new facility is needed.
“It’s another place kids can hang out in a safe environment,” she said.
She added that SADI organizers hope to attract more students with the opening of the skate park ramp.
The ramp will be available while the youth centre is open Monday to Thursday from noon to 5 p.m.
Students must bring their own helmets, but in the near future, Loeppky said the youth organization hopes to be able to supply helmets to students who do not bring their own.
The grand opening of the half pipe is at the Unity Youth Centre on Giant’s Head Road on Thursday, July 26 from 5 to 7 p.m.
