Lindsay to see its first-ever permanent skatepark
Construction has officially been green-lit for Lindsay’s first ever permanent skatepark.
The Boys & Girls Clubs (BGC Kawarthas) has received a $475,000 community building fund for it, which is a capital grant from the Government of Ontario and administered by the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
“A new skatepark will be a fantastic addition to our community and will be a hub where youth can gather to participate in social sports like skateboarding and biking,” said Laurie Scott, MPP for Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock who congratulated BGC for the grant.
“This is a long-awaited project for Lindsay and I’m thrilled this grant will be able to bring the project to life with the help and guidance of BGC Kawarthas.”
According to BGC Kawarthas, the planning for a community skatepark on their property dates back to 2010 when the club conducted focus group sessions with youth and the community. Support for the project has continued to grow to include club participants, the Kawartha Lakes Police Service, the Lindsay business community and active youth groups.
“A purpose built skatepark,” said Chief Mark Mitchell of Kawartha Lakes Police Service, “will address a void in our municipal recreation infrastructure and will attract young people who may not participate in more traditional recreational activities. BGC Kawarthas is ideally suited to be the caretaker of this facility and to ensure that it is a safe and welcoming environment for all.”
The new facility will be compatible with scooters, BMX bikes, and skateboards. It will be located next to the club’s outdoor basketball courts and will be completely accessible to George Street. Construction is expected to begin this fall and is expected to be completed no later than spring 2023.
“The Lindsay Downtown BIA (Business Improvement Association) is thrilled that the project is moving ahead,” said Melissa McFarland, executive dDirector of Lindsay Downtown BIA. “It will be a great asset to everyone to have the park so easily accessible from the downtown core.”
