The location of Innisfail’s newest skatepark is up in the air.
The proposed location of the Town of Innisfail’s project was initially slated near 51 Ave. and 42 St., adjacent to the Innisfail and District Horseshoe Club.
Myrna Kissick, Innisfail and District Horseshoe Club president, said the skatepark’s proposed location was at a park next to the horseshoe pits – a green space that the club uses during tournaments.
Kissick requested the skatepark not be constructed at the proposed location during the town council meeting on Feb. 26.
Todd Becker, Town of Innisfail said the original location is still on the table but council wants to hear about other choices.
Becker said council wants to consider a location with a larger site plan versus a singular development like skatepark.
“They want to try to anticipate what the development will occur around amenities,” he said.
Kissick said the horseshoe club will have to move if the skatepark is built at the proposed location.
Kissick said she isn’t against moving, if it comes to that, provided town has a “good proposal” for the club, which would include a clubhouse and help with moving.
The Innisfail Kinsmen Club and Kinette Club of Innisfail have been fundraising together for a skatepark for about two years.
Russ Klemmer, one of the Kinsmen directors, said the town has committed $50,000 in 2016 and 2017, and the clubs have raised about $25,000, bringing the total to $125,000. The total cost of the project is upwards of $650,000.
Klemmer said the proposed location of the project is a suitable one given its close proximity to schools and other recreational facilities like the pool and ball diamonds.
“It would keep the family together, even if you’re not skateboarding, so I think it’s an ideal (place),” he said.
Klemmer said finding a new location wouldn’t delay the project because fundraising is still ongoing and the two clubs are yet to apply for grants.
Kissick said she wants to see community involvement in the skatepark project given the hefty pricetag.
“It would be good to have the community involved in deciding where the skatepark should be. It’s a big undertaking with lots of money involved. So the people should also be involved,” states a letter from Kissick to town council.
mamta.lulla@reddeeradvocate.com
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