After 15 years, a new skate park is finally coming to the West Shore.
Officials say the 13,000-square-foot park could be open by next March on the grounds of the West Shore Parks & Recreation Centre.
The communities of Langford, Colwood, View Royal, Highlands and Metchosin have been without a skate park since 2015, when the Belmont track in Langford was torn out for a commercial and residential development.
The Vancouver-based team of New Line Skateparks, in partnership with van der Zalm + Associates, has been selected as project manager through a request for proposals by West Shore Parks and Recreation staff and members of the West Shore Skate Park Coalition.
Kyara Kahakauwila, chair of the West Shore Parks and Recreation board, said 84,000 residents have been missing a key piece of recreational infrastructure for youth. “Mental and physical health are intertwined — even more so for young minds,” she said. “With this new infrastructure being brought to our communities, we will once again have a safe gathering place for youth to socialize, be physically active and gain confidence as they develop their skills.”
The Westshore Skate Park Coalition and West Shore Parks staff have advocated and faised funds for a park for nearly seven years.
“On behalf of the youth and young at heart, the Westshore Skatepark Coalition is stoked to announce that we are finally at this stage,” said Jimmy Miller, president of the coalition.
“While our journey is not yet complete, the ending is oh so near, and we can’t wait to roll on some rad new terrain.”
The park is being described as world-class skateable/rideable landscape destination that will feature a hybrid conceptual design aimed at being welcoming, inclusive, flexible, exciting and memorable for all ages and abilities.
