Coaldale celebrates opening of new skatepark

Sunny South News Photo by Kristine Jean. GRAND OPENING: Dozens of Coaldale and area residents joined Town of Coaldale councillors and staff, special guests, dignitaries, and skateboarders for the grand opening of Coaldale’s new skatepark on Sept. 20. The event featured a ribbon cutting, a barbecue by the Kinsmen Club of Coaldale and skateboard demonstrations by professional skateboarders from San Diego, Calif.

By Kristine Jean
Sunny South News

Dozens of Coaldale and area residents joined Town of Coaldale councillors, special guests, skateboarders and skatepark enthusiasts Saturday afternoon for the grand opening of the new Coaldale Skatepark Sept. 20. 

The event featured a ribbon cutting, skateboard demonstrations by professional skateboarders, a barbecue provided by the Kinsmen Club of Coaldale and plenty of  skatepark enthusiasts enjoying Coaldale’s newest attraction.  

The Skatepark Revitalization Project held a groundbreaking ceremony in May, and was on schedule to be finished by the end of September. Several groups, special guests and dignitaries were on hand for the grand opening ceremony including MLA Grant Hunter, Town of Coaldale councillors and several town staff, the Kinsmen Club of Coaldale, Kinette Club of Coaldale, members with the skatepark working group and staff with New Line Skateparks.  

“What an incredible day this is for Coaldale. A little less than four years ago, in September 2021, town council gave the green light to form the skatepark working group to begin exploring what a new or revitalized skatepark would look like,” said Coaldale Mayor Jack Van Rijn, as he welcomed the community, special guests, and skateboarders to the grand opening ceremony. “That decision set in motion the journey that brings us together today, standing not in a field of plans and ideas, but on the finished surface of a state-of-the-art facility that will serve our community for years to come.”  

The new facility, designed and created by New Line Skateparks, provides a modern, accessible and multi-functional space for users of all ages and skill level, as both a recreational facility and a community gathering space.

Professional skateboarders with SK8MAFIA pro team, Brandon Turner and Alexis Ramirez, who flew in from San Diego for the grand opening Saturday, joined New Line Skateparks pro Kanten Russell, for the grand opening ceremony and signed autographs and displayed their pro skills in a demonstration.     

“This new skatepark, that New Line Skateparks did, is amazing,” said Turner, noting the design by Kanten Russell. “It goes in a circle so everybody can flow in their consistency.” 

He shared some advice for skateboarders in Coaldale. “Have fun and make sure you be safe,” said Turner.  

Roger Bruinsma, vice-president of Skateboard Canada was also at the grand opening ceremony and pointed out how every skatepark is unique.   

“This one is a world-class facility. This is made and designed by professional skateboaders both Canadian and international,” said Bruinsma, adding Skateboard Canada travels across the country to support skateparks, help promote skateparks, attend skatepark unveilings and helps give a voice to skateboarders across the country. 

“We’re here to support the communities, were here to support the shops and the kids that use the (skatepark),” he added, noting other new skatepark locations in southern Alberta include Brooks, Okotoks and Claresholm. 

Melissa Patrick from Raymond was at the grand opening with her 15-year old son Logan, who is an avid skateboarder.  

“This was a big deal to be here,” said Patrick. “It’s such a close, tight-knit community and we love it.” 

Patrick noted the design of the new skatepark and the original trees that were kept as part of the design, that will help provide shade for parents and friends who come to watch the skateboarders. 

“In Raymond, we need a skatepark and they’re trying to work on that,” she said, noting the dedication of her son Logan, who is up at 5:30 a.m. and skates before school and after school. “He’s very passionate, he’s driven, this is what he loves to do so we support him 100 per cent. I feel like we’re going to spend a lot of time here,” she added with a smile. 

Skatepark working group members Cheri Beatty and her son Gavin Besaw, who were on site the day shovels went in the ground to begin construction in May,  were thrilled to see the skatepark project completed and in use. 

“We’ve been planning this for over three years and to see it all come together and so many people here is awesome,” said Beatty. “It will definitely get good use.”

In his remarks, Van Rijn thanked the many people, town staff, local businesses and organizations, who helped make this skatepark a reality. He also shared “a word of gratitude” to New Line Skateparks, who he said brought “world-class expertise and creativity” to the new facility.

“You’ve built not just a skatepark, but a space that will inspire young people, nurture talent, and create community pride,” said Van Rijn.