Coaldale breaks ground on Skatepark Revitalization Project

Sunny South News Photo by Kristine Jean. GROUNDBREAKING: Guests, residents, community groups, and members of Coaldale town council and staff took part in the official groundbreaking ceremony for Coaldale’s Skatepark Revitalization Project on Fri., May 23. The $1.2 million project will upgrade the skatepark with several new features and is expected to be completed by the end of September.

• $1.2 million project expected to be finished by end of September 

By Kristine Jean
Sunny South News

T

he rain held off and shovels were in the ground Friday for the official groundbreaking of Coaldale’s new skatepark. 

Guests and community members gathered for the Skatepark Revitalization Project groundbreaking ceremony on May 23, including members of Coaldale town council, the Kinsmen Club of Coaldale, MLA Grant Hunter and members of the skatepark committee, among others. 

The upgraded skatepark, expected to be finished by the end of Sept., will provide 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.

“It was the Kinsmen who first brought this idea forward and championed its importance,” said Town of Coaldale Mayor Jack Van Rijn. “This project is yet another example of your commitment to making Coaldale a better place for everyone, especially our youth.”

Van Rijn noted that during budget deliberations in 2023, town council unanimously approved $400,000 in matching funds to help bring this revitalization project to life – a shared vision for a healthier, more vibrant community, he noted.   

“This event marks the beginning of construction on a revitalized skatepark, an important project that reflects our community’s shared commitment to youth recreation, wellness, and vibrant public spaces,” he added, noting the $1.2 million revitalization project is moving forward thanks to a $400,000 commitment from the Kinsmen Club of Coaldale, matched by $400,000 from the Town of Coaldale, and a $391,715.10 (CFEP) grant from the province as well.  

“These contributions, along with additional funding through the Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP), are turning this long-awaited vision into a reality,” said Van Rijn.  

In addition, the Coaldale Community Wellness Association contributed $75,000 for the project and the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta donated a 15,000 grant to the project. 

MLA Grant Hunter, Associate Minister of Water and Chief Government Whip, was also in attendance to present the grant on behalf of the provincial government.   

“The Government of Alberta is proud to invest in grassroots initiatives that foster active lifestyles and community engagement,” said Hunter. “The Coaldale Skatepark Revitalization Project will have a lasting impact on the youth and families of Coaldale and I commend everyone involved for making it happen.”

Skatepark committee members Cheri Beatty and her son Gavin Besaw, joined guests and other residents for the groundbreaking ceremony on Friday. Beatty, is a longtime resident and said she remembers when they built the original skatepark in Coaldale 35 years ago. 

“It’s needed to be done for a long time. Other communities around us have newer (skateparks) so it’s really nice to finally have something that can be used for all ages,” said Beatty. “It’s pretty cool to watch it go from being built as a kid, to coming full circle, and seeing a new one put in.” 

The committee, which formed about two years ago and looked to other skateparks as examples, noted Beatty, met regularly to discuss skatepark features that would be suitable for kids of all ages and the skatepark design that would best use and fit the existing property. 

Kinsmen Club of Coaldale president Brad Calder also shared a few words during the event. 

“This space is more than just concrete and rails. It represents our community’s commitment to healthy, active living and creating inclusive spaces for our youth to thrive,” said Calder, noting the Alberta government’s contribution to the project via a CFEP grant. “This grant has had a significant impact on our ability to help move this project forward. Our sincere thanks to the Hon. Grant Hunter, for advocating on behalf of this project and for his continued support of community-based initiatives that promote youth development and recreation.” 

Calder also noted a project by the Kinette Club of Coaldale, to rebuild the playground and basketball court located next to the skatepark – that also received government funding Friday – is expected to begin construction later this summer. 

“For too long, our growing community has needed an upgraded facility that reflects the talent, energy, and creativity of our young residents. I’m proud to say, that time is now,” said Van Rijn. “As we look ahead to the completion of this revitalized space, I encourage everyone to remember what this represents – not just a skatepark, but a promise to our youth, that we see you, we support you, and we’re building a future that includes you.”