Red Deer County has stepped up after fundraising for a new Springbrook skate park was hampered by a slow economy and the global pandemic.
The Springbrook Community Skatepark Committee has raised $472,500 for the skate park, but fundraising efforts have slowed and another $179,550 is needed to complete the park, which is expected to cost about $650,000, county community services manager Jo-Ann Symington told county council Tuesday.
Delaying the project to find more money will not work, because a $125,000 provincial grant must be used in 2020, or the community will forfeit the money.
Council unanimously supported the request for more funding.
“Springbrook is a very young community. They have lots of kids,” said Coun. Dana Depalme. “This will definitely impact all those kids.”
Coun. Christine Moore said the financial help is needed.
“It’s been really difficult over the past few months … for them to complete their fundraising,” said Moore. “I think this is a wonderful project and they’re almost there.”
“I’m very impressed with the amount they have fundraised to date,” said Coun. Jean Bota. “That’s no easy task.
“I feel this is an investment in our youth.”
Mayor Jim Wood said Springbrook is one of the fastest growing communities in central Alberta, and if the county does not help out, the skate park will not happen, “and we want it to happen.”
The money will come from a $1.6-million reserve fund that has grown from the levies developers pay when land is built on.
pcowley@reddeeradvocate.com
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