Skatepark finished and already receiving good use

By Rob Vogt
The weather may be reaching record temperatures but it wasn’t too hot for skaters and bikers on Friday.
That was the day the Claresholm Skatepark officially opened to the public.
The new facility, located south of the town office at 111 – 55th Avenue West, covers 7,300 square feet, and cost $467,671.50, up from the original estimate of about $300,000.
Lisa Darch, president of the Claresholm Skatepark Association, was busy last week spreading the news.
She appeared as a delegation at last Monday’s town council meeting on July 15, to update council and the public at large on the skatepark.
“It’s done,” she told council.
She said it was due to the efforts of council. The skatepark would not have been completed this year otherwise, because without council’s approval, the delay would have cost an additional $150,000.
“It’s been a long road, and we’re here,” said Darch, fighting back tears of joy.
She explained the town crew was just finishing up some dirt work, beautifying the location, and seeding some grass.
“Let’s get those kids out there as soon as possible,” Darch said.
She explained she has done the final walk through and received a completion certificate with New Line Skateparks, the contractor for the park, and Transitional Construction, the subcontractor who did much of the work.
Darch noted some spotting was found on the concrete but it was easily rectified and patched.
She said there is a one-year warranty. They will go through one season with the skatepark, then the contractor will return to see what needs attention, if anything.
Darch emphasized the contractors stand behind their work.
She explained signage is being prepared stating there is no parking in the alley and east side of the skatepark.
Other signs outline the skatepark is an unsupervised area; recommending users wear proper equipment; no motorized vehicles, drugs, or alcohol are allowed; watch for other park users; be kind to everybody; and more.
The signs will also bear the town logo, website and phone number, as well as the Claresholm Skatepark Association’s website.
“It’s information everyone needs,” Darch said.
“I’m so happy you guys got that done,” said Coun. Rod Kettles.
“Congratulations, I think it’s great,” he later added.”
The rest of council agreed, sending Darch off with a round of applause.
The park officially opened on Friday, July 19, and Darch was there, assisting her husband Jeff in moving the refurbished bleachers into the new skatepark from the old site in the arena parking lot.
She said they have been working on the skatepark since 2017 when they set up a table during the August Fair Days street market asking for ideas.
“We were asking for input,” Darch said, adding they wanted people’s level of interest and where they wanted the skatepark located. “Just to get a start.”
“That first year was all about getting support,” she later added.
The association and a society were soon formed. Sherry Levesque was the first president and John Wenlock was, and still is, vice-president. When Levesque moved, Darch became president.
Brad Schlossberger, now mayor, was a town council representative to start, and has been there the entire process.
“He’s had a major interest in this project since the beginning as well,” Darch said.
Fundraising efforts began almost immediately and, a year later, they started hosting beer gardens at Canada Day and Fair Days celebrations.
Volunteers with the skatepark association have done everything they possibly could to raise funds, and Darch applied for and received a number of grants.
“Almost everyone in town has had a hand in this,” Darch said, adding it could be putting a coin in a collection jar, attending an event, or providing a donation.
“I don’t think there isn’t a person in town who hasn’t contributed.”
The skatepark association raised $73,254.24 through a variety of efforts including beer gardens; barbecues; events such as a games night, and a music bingo; catering; coin collection; bartending events; and receiving private donations.
They also secured $349,336.54 in grants from the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta for $30,000, and the provincial government’s Community Facilities Enhancement Program for $255,116.
The old skatepark at the arena parking lot was also sold for $3,000.
That has all resulted in construction of a new skatepark.
“It was emotional,” Darch said of the facility finally opening.
There was a time when fundraising wasn’t going well and every grant Darch applied for was turned down.
“Never once did I doubt this would happen,” she said.
Moreover, she was so happy when she saw the youth using the park.
She paid tribute to the contractors, the Town of Claresholm crew, and most of all the dedication of a group of youth who just kept on working.
There were three in particular there from the start – Alex Tourond; Brandon Levesque; and John Wenlock – but so many more.
“I’m so proud of them,” Darch said.