With the cutting of a ribbon and a kickflip, the Drumheller Skatepark was officially opened Saturday morning.
The project, more than five years in the making, was unveiled to the community by the Drumheller Areas Skateboard Enthusiasts (DASE) who made the park a reality.
“I remember how badly I wanted one of these when I was a kid,” said Brook Christianson, president of DASE. “It makes me super happy today to officially give this to my kids and all the kids in the community.”
He said that five years ago he, and Nick and Crystal Sereda began talking about making a high quality highly accessible skateboard park for the community, centrally located for local youth and visitors.
“We saw the gaping void in Drumheller by not having a modern skatepark, a facility so highly utilized in every community, and we understood the value of having a place where kids can have the opportunity to engage in self directed physical activity for free,” he said.
Mayor Terry Yemen brought greetings from the town and Drumheller-Stettler MLA Rick Strankman brought well wishes.
MLA Brand Payne, on behalf of Minister of Culture and Tourism David Eggen brought greetings. The skatepark was the recipient of a Community Facilities Enhancement Program grant of $125,000.
“It is always nice to see a community come together and support a joint venture like this, especially one that is going to be so much fun for so many people. I know DASE has work very hard to make this park a reality,” said Payne.
“I know that Minister Eggen and his department are really happy to support this through the Community Facility Enhancement Program. Places like this are where community comes together and can start to build a bond that lasts a lifetime.
Community support was evident as members of DASE thanked the many donors who have supported this project. The community support was also evident in the Drumheller Mail/ inside Drumheller’s Chair-ity Auction. In all over $7,500 was raised by the sale of 10 chairs decorated by local artists and sponsored by local businesses.
Also supportive Sublime Food and Wine, which hosted a barbecue with $620 raised going to the skatepark.
The auction was followed by an incredible demo the Shredz Skateboard Team from Cochrane and 1664 BMX.
