Communities For Skaters

Estevan Park a Hit

News courtesty of Prairie Print Clipping Service.

Estevan Mercury - Oct. 26, 2005

Now that they finally have a place to call their own, Estevan's skateboarding and BMX enthusiasts are making sure that the city's new skatepark is being put to good use.

The impressive facility opened last week and it has been an unqualified hit with users who have flocked to the park in droves.

Helen Fornwald, the manager of leisure services for the City, says they're thrilled with the public's response to the park which is located behind the Souris Valley Aquatic and Leisure Centre.

"Both the skateboarders and BMX bikers are very happy and say it's a lot of fun," said Fornwald. "We haven't had any negative comments yet about it."

Fornwald said that construction of the park went well with the lone exception being the snowfall that hit Estevan earlier this month and caused a brief delay.

She added that the finishing touches were expected to be done Tuesday morning.

"(Tuesday) morning we'll be doing the final concrete and we'll re-open on Wednesday. Then we'll be putting the final touches on a few more rails and the final thing will be the lighting."

Fornwald said to see how popular the park already is with users is very rewarding and she credits the volunteer committee for their work in helping the City make the park a reality.

"I can't thank the committee enough for all their expertise and their recommendations," she said. "I can't say enough about them and the volunteers who came out and helped with the installation and security, and I thank them greatly for that."

Darren Peterson, who was a member of the volunteer committee, said he is impressed with the park and feels it is superior to what other cities of Estevan's size have to offer.

"I think it's great and compared to similar sized towns and what they've got, it's better," he said.

"There's a great flow in here and a great layout, it's an awesome park. It'll be something that all the kids can look forward to and maybe we'll churn out some good skaters."

posted by Communities 4 Sk8ers @ 1:43 PM