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Get stoked! Skatepark mentor programs return to Red Deer

YMCA of Northern Alberta is excited to announce this summer’s SkatePark Programs
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Have you ever noticed how summertime seems to draw crowds of kids out to the skatepark?

It’s always great to see youth making friends and enjoying the outdoors, but without a little guidance and direction they’re sometimes drawn to activities outside of skating.

“You often see kids just hanging out at the skatepark,” says Amy Komarniski, General Manager of the Northside Community Centre YMCA. “The YMCA saw a real need there for programming to teach kids not only skating and BMX skills, but life skills too.”

That’s where YMCA of Northern Alberta Skatepark Programs come in.

Kids of all ages are encouraged to come down to either the Glendale or downtown Red Deer skateparks this summer to learn and have some fun!
Kids of all ages are encouraged to come down to either the Glendale or downtown Red Deer skateparks this summer to learn and have some fun!

Mentors in the YMCA Skatepark Program are skateboard enthusiasts who facilitate skill development for skatepark users while also encouraging youth to actively participate in community events and activities. They help promote a strong community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility by providing a safe space for youth to enjoy the skatepark.

The YMCA is excited to work in partnership with the Central Alberta SkateBoarding Association to bring this program to the Glendale Skatepark for its second year, and is thrilled be adding Red Deer’s downtown skatepark this summer as well!

YMCA Skatepark mentors will be hanging out this summer to help kids gain skateboarding skills, as well as life skills.
YMCA Skatepark mentors will be hanging out this summer to help kids gain skateboarding skills, as well as life skills.

Weather permitting, Skatepark mentors Aaron, Noah, and Jake will be working seven days a week at the Glendale Skatepark from May 16 until the end of September, and at the downtown Red Deer skatepark during July and August. YMCA will also be hosting summer Skate Camps for children ages six to 12 years old and Skate Clubs for youth ages 13-18.

“Many youth in the Glendale area are vulnerable, and the YMCA’s mission is to provide a place where they can grow, learn and truly have a place to belong,” says Komarniski.

Programs are only made possible by public support.

“As a charity we rely on donations and sponsorships to make programs like this happen, and it’s been so great to work together with our community,” says Komarniski. “Border Paving Inc. has always supported us and they stepped up with a generous $100,000 donation to fund the Skatepark Mentorship program, which will allow it to grow and thrive in the future!”

To find out more about YMCA of Northern Alberta programs check them out on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Linkedin or at northernalberta.ymca.ca/ncc . Contact the team at 403-967-9622 or ContactCentre@northernalberta.ymca.ca.