Skate park proposed for Kilbride Park

Following extensive community consultation, Kilbride Park is the proposed location for a medium sized skate park. A group of students came to council last year to ask for a skate park in their area. The design will be similar to Nelson Park’s skate feature.

Three locations were considered – two in Kilbride Park and one in Lowville Park. Community comments and feedback from three regulatory agencies – the Niagara Escarpment Commission, Conservation Halton, and Halton Region – all pointed to Kilbride Park as the most feasible location.

The cost of the park will be included for discussion in the 2018 budget deliberations and is estimated at $15,000 for design and community consultation, and $125,000 for construction. There is $27,000 remaining in a 2010 account for Kilbride Park that can be put toward the project. Annual operating expenses are estimated to be $1,800 plus a recommended $1,200 for a portable toilet rental for the 32 week period the skate park would be considered open. City staff will continue to work with community members on fundraising opportunities and funding grants to contribute to the capital costs.

A city-wide youth survey in 2016 identified interest for a skate park in Kilbride and within the Aldershot community. Staff will continue to seek opportunity for the construction of a skate park in Aldershot.

The proposed Kilbride Skate park comes to the Committee of the Whole Sept. 25, then to City Council Oct. 10 for final approval. Residents can Register as a Delegation to speak at either meeting, up to 10 minutes at Committee, 5 minutes at Council. The staff report can be found on the COW Agenda Sept. 25.

My Take: The skate park will be a great addition to the Kilbride community, and provide new opportunities for active play. Thanks and congratulations are due to the young people who brought the idea forward and are helping to make this a reality.