NORTH VANCOUVER, B.C.—The City of North Vancouver is considering options for a temporary skateboarding facility following the demolition of the Lonsdale Skate park.
City officials announced they are exploring 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 has 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 $175,000 for design and construction of the skate park amenities.
Officials noted that 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 in a statement. “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 skateboarding infrastructure. I’m pleased to say that staff are working with members of the community on the design of a temporary skate park.”
As part of the planning process, city officials intend to work with local skaters to review the site location and design. Other Mahon Park user groups will also have an opportunity to comment on plans.
The city noted it looked at alternate timelines for the skatepark demolition during construction, but explained the park sits on the future aquatics facility, which will require a complex and significant excavation, and the skate park had to be removed for this part of the new HJCRC to remain on schedule.
A 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.
Work on the new recreation centre is underway. The facility is North Vanouver’s largest-ever infrastructure program. The project involves replacing the 56-year-old HJCRC with a new facility that includes a 500-person arena, more aquatic space, indoor and outdoor fitness amenities, a new skate park, preschool and youth spaces and a new facility for Silver Harbour Seniors’ Activity Centre.
Recent Comments
comments for this post are closed