SYLVAN LAKE — At 27 years of age, Sean McIntyre still recalls misspent moments of his youth. He’s working to prevent similar memories in others.
McIntyre manages Incline Industries, an indoor skatepark that gives youths a place to hang out. Housed in about 3,500 square feet of a building at 4425 50th St. in Sylvan Lake, it’s one of the few skateparks that allow BMX bikes.
“We have people that make special trips from the Yukon to come see us,” said McIntyre. “Every week we’ll have people from Edmonton, Calgary, Rocky Mountain House.”
The skatepark also doubles as a concert venue where musicians — mainly hardcore indie bands — perform.
“We’ve had them from as far away as the States and Ontario,” said McIntyre, describing how a New Year’s concert attracted about 200 people.
“Every couple of months we have one.”
Musicians aren’t allowed to use profanity, and Incline Industries staff try to support and mentor their young customers.
“It’s just making a safe place for people to come in and have a good time,” said McIntyre.
“Loitering is strictly permitted. They can come in and hang out all day.”
Incline Industries opened four years ago, with McIntyre joining forces with Darcy and Susan Carruthers, owners of Lakewood Golf Course and Anchor Boards, Bikes and Apparel.
He’d noted that youths involved in sports and other organized activities had facilities and resources at their disposal. But others, including those who preferred to display their creativity and athleticism on a skateboard or bike, were mostly on their own.
“When I was a teenager there was nothing to do, and because of that we got into a lot of trouble and got into a lot of stuff we shouldn’t have been in.”
Today, McIntyre is married and has a 2 1/2-year-old daughter. He was elected to Sylvan Lake town council in October — fulfilling a longtime dream.
“I’ve been wanting to do it since I was a teenager,” he said, adding that despite a steep learning curve, municipal politics have met his expectations.
“I can’t get enough. I love it.”
But McIntyre also remains committed to Incline Industries, which he believes is changing young lives. It’s even helped some escape the drug scene, he said.
“We don’t have a program for it, but we just know what needs to happen.”
It wouldn’t be possible without the Carruthers, who own the building and have provided ongoing financial support, said McIntyre.
Darcy Carruthers said he and Susan are pleased with the impact of the centre.
“I see a huge potential in the youth and I know they need some help to reach their potential. This is something we can offer them to help reach that potential.”
Expansion and renovation are now objectives, with the wish list including a bigger and better skatepark, as well as a large “hang-out” area and a youth-focused restaurant. Carruthers said the latter additions would help increase the number of youths visiting Incline Industries.
“Right now, we reach mainly the skateboarders and BMX kids. With our expansion we hope to be accessible to all of the youth of Sylvan Lake.”
The closure of Video Headquarters in the same 8,000-square-foot building that Incline Industries occupies opened the door for growth. The vacant space is reserved for Incline Industries, insists Carruthers.
“We’ve had lots of people who want it, but it’s for Incline expansion.”
The challenge is money, with McIntyre estimating that the expansion will cost $150,000. A fundraising campaign is underway, with Incline Industries converting from a corporation to a non-profit society to facilitate this effort.
A long-shot exists in the Pepsi Refresh Project, through which Pepsi Canada provides money to worthy community projects. Incline Industries is among 98 Canadian applicants seeking a $100,000 prize, with the winner to be determined by an online vote that wraps up Feb. 28.
As of Monday evening, Incline Industries was in fifth place.
“Our big challenge now is mobilizing everyone in our network,” said McIntyre. “We’ve got 6,000 people on Facebook and everyone who comes in hears about it.”
Additional information about Incline Industries and the Pepsi Refresh Project can be found online at www.inclineindustries.ca and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/inclineindustries.
hrichards@www.reddeeradvocate.com