Skateboarders in Ymir can look forward to having a new skate park this summer.
“Nowadays you pretty much need a skate park as much as you need a ball diamond,” said Hans Cunningham, Area G regional director. He expects the facility to be complete by the end of May or beginning of June.
Located almost directly across the street from the Ymir fire hall, the park was shaped last fall and the first row of concrete was poured, but construction was halted with the onset of winter.
Measuring about 40 by 60 feet (12 by 18 m), the park is located on the edge of the Great Northern Trail. The Regional District of Central Kootenay board recently authorized signing a licence of occupation with the BC Transportation Financing Authority for a 10-year term.
Cunningham said the park is a great addition for a small community, even though it’s a “fraction of the size and scope” of the Nelson skatepark which opened last year.
Cunningham said it will be built on the “economy plan,” for less than $25,000.
“We’re very lucky considering it was done with volunteer labour and donations,” he said.
Cunningham said some Nelson skate park volunteers live in Ymir so they were able to help with the Ymir design and layout, plus explain the process to the other volunteers.
Designed to be a little less challenging than some skate parks, it will still have demanding features, including rails.
“I’m not a skateboarder myself,” said Cunningham, “but it’s my understanding that the craftsmanship is just excellent.”
