The City will explore options for a temporary skate park location at Mahon Park while the Lonsdale Skate Park is being removed for construction of the new Harry Jerome Community Recreation Centre (HJCRC).
Council approved a staff proposal to work with the skateboard community to look at whether a space at Mahon Park can house a temporary skateboard park, and allocated $175K for design and construction of the skate park amenities.
The temporary location is next to the basketball courts and pickle ball courts and is deep enough into the park to buffer skate park noise for neighbouring residents.
“Outdoor recreation space is vital in advancing our goal of being a healthy and people-oriented city,” said Mayor Linda Buchanan. “The City has long been committed to ensuring the recreation needs of all are met as we deliver the new state-of-the-art Harry Jerome Community Recreation Centre. We recognize the importance of this sport as well as access to skate boarding infrastructure. I’m pleased to say that staff are working with members of the community on the design of a temporary skate park.”
Next Steps to Planning the Temporary Space
As part of next steps, the City will be working with the skate community to review the site location, and consider development of the design layout. Other Mahon Park user groups will also have an opportunity to provide their feedback.
The skateboard community is encouraged to use skate parks on the North Shore available during construction including Kirkstone, Parkgate, Peter Sullivan (formerly Ambleside), Seylynn Skate Parks and the Griffin Bowl.
Alternatives Explored
The City explored alternate timelines for removal of the Lonsdale skate park during construction. However, the skate park is on the site of the future aquatics facility, which will require the most complex and significant excavation, and the skate park had to be removed for this part of the new HJCRC to remain on track.
New Skate Park Developed With Skate Community Input
The new skate park, budgeted at $1.2 million, will be completed as part of the new HJCRC in 2025. The design concept was developed through a series of public design workshops with stakeholders, users and industry experts in 2018. The design will be presented to the skate community for final feedback in the next few months.
About the Harry Jerome Community Recreation Centre Project
Development of the new Harry Jerome Community Recreation Centre (HJCRC) is now underway in the heart of Central Lonsdale. The City’s largest ever infrastructure program, replacement of the 56-year-old HJCRC includes an arena with a 500-spectator capacity, more aquatic space, indoor and outdoor fitness amenities, new skate park, preschool and youth spaces and a new facility for Silver Harbour Seniors’ Activity Centre. Underground parking will maximize the site’s buildable space.
More information on the project is available at www.cnv.org/hjcrc.