The long-awaited Chemainus Skate Park is now open.
The 7,500-square-foot park was created to accommodate BMX bikes, scooters, in-line skates, skateboards, and users of all ability levels.
The skate park is made up of a combination of street-style terrain - features found in urban landscapes such as railings, stairs, and ledges - and traditional skate park features, with names familiar to users, such as banks, pockets, and hips.
"The park was finished two months ahead of schedule, and we couldn't hold back the users. As soon as the concrete was dry, they were in," said North Cowichan Mayor Jon Lefebure. New Line Skateparks Inc. did the construction, and the project came within the budget of $350,000.
The idea for the park was first brought to council in 1997, by Sgt. Don Butler, then officer in charge of the RCMP detachment.
He proposed a park as a means of enhancing public safety and providing youth with recreation options and they were certainly out enjoying it during this week's sunny weather.
North Cowichan will host a grand opening at the park, which is located at 2970 Severne St. (the site of the former Chemainus Elementary School right behind Chemainus Secondary School) at 3 p.m. on Friday, March 6. The event will include a ribbon cutting, demos, and vendors.
