June 27, 2018
The City of Edmonton and its partners have launched the Quarters Skatepark where young people can safely enjoy a range of activities on wheels during the summer.
“It’s important to create vibrant, safe, inclusive spaces for people to play and connect,” said Councillor Scott McKeen. “This skatepark will help to build a sense of community and belonging that will further enrich and animate the Quarters.”
In 2017, community partners noticed a gap for youth downtown who had no place nearby to practise skateboarding. As a first step, the partners conducted a survey to determine park use and the location of the pilot project. More than 460 youth responded with 97 per cent in support of a skatepark.
“I like that the skatepark is close to iHuman and it’s a good place to go to keep busy and stay out of trouble. I can also chill out with my friends,” said Lee Sankey, iHuman youth.
“This project is proof of the power of collaboration,” said Colton Martinkus, Manager of Community Employment, Jasper Place Wellness Centre. “When people and organizations come together across community boundaries to work collectively on one idea, our communities become stronger.”
Jasper Place Wellness Centre, iHuman, the Neighbourhood Empowerment Team, a partnership with The Family Centre, Edmonton Police Service, United Way of the Alberta Capital Region and the City of Edmonton, came together to develop the Quarters Skatepark, a pilot for 2018.
The skatepark will be assessed over the summer. If it’s successful, a youth committee will be formed to work with the City and partners on a permanent Quarters location and advise on the design, function and security of the park.
The Quarters Skatepark, located on 102A Ave between 95 St and 96 St, is free and open to skateboarders, BMX riders, push scooters and inline skaters. Motorized vehicles are not permitted.
