An early winter could have spelled disaster for local skateboarders and BMXers after Incline Industries closed for renovations in early September.
Instead, they were able to squeeze in several more weeks of outdoor riding and now Sylvan Lake’s indoor skatepark is back in business.
Incline Industries manager Joel Smith said those who have tested their skills on the new layout since it reopened last Friday have found new thrills — and a few spills.
“So far, we’ve had really good feedback,” said Smith, who’s been riding boards himself for some 16 years.
“It’s got something for everybody, both skateboarding and BMX.”
Among the changes are a seven-metre-wide mini-ramp and a stair feature with ledges and handrails.
“We wanted to update it,” said Smith.
“The old park was about five years old and the original design was lacking in some areas that we wanted to address.”
Now, he said, it’s got plenty of appeal for skateboard and bike riders.
The skatepark was already a big draw, due in large part to the lack of other indoor facilities in Alberta that operate regular hours and are open to skateboards and bikes.
“We have people all the time coming from Calgary and Edmonton,” said Smith.
“There are guys that will drive from Grande Prairie just to ride the park for a day.”
More renovations are planned, said Smith, with Incline Industries slated to spread into an adjacent bay that was previously occupied by Video Headquarters. It’s already encroaching into that space.
A new area for youths to hang out, as well as a small shop and office space, are proposed, said Smith.
“We’re hoping to actually put in a small kitchen as well, and have a little bit of a cafeteria.”
The challenge is generating the money to finance the project.
To that end, Incline Industries recently changed into a non-profit organization and now operates as Incline Industries Youth Foundation. This is expected to help with fundraising and grant applications, said Smith, who pointed out that Incline Industries was never a profit-making venture.
“This was a step to make sure it could stay open.”
Continued operation is important to skateboarders and BMXers, but also to youths generally, said Smith. Incline Industries is a popular gathering place for young people, with concerts and other social events held there.
“A lot of people just come in and kind of sit and watch,” he said, adding that there’s no charge for skatepark spectators.
Incline Industries was opened nearly five years ago by Sean McIntyre, who managed the facility until recently, and Darcy and Susan Carruthers.
The Carruthers own the building and have provided considerable support over the years, said Smith.
Additional information about Incline Industries can be found online at www.inclineindustries.ca.
hrichards@www.reddeeradvocate.com