The additions to the skate park next to Baker Creek in West Quesnel are closer to completion after concrete was poured last week.
A half pipe, some rollers and a street section have been book-ended onto the existing park, much to the delight of some its users, who were chomping at the bit to test out the new elements.
While there was some worry that overeager skaters might disrupt the concrete curing process, which would compromise the quality of the project, Chris Coben, Quesnel’s Director of Capital and Infrastructure, says they are comfortable with the concrete.
While the skate elements are completed, the City of Quesnel still has a few finishing touches.
READ MORE: Prep work started for skatepark extension
“We’re going to upgrade an existing light poled to LED and relocate a second pole which we removed for the expansion, so the park has some good [lighting] coverage,” Coben says.
“A portion of the parking area is part of the expansion, so we’re going to add some parking too.”
The city will also add benches and seating as well as landscape the whole site that was affected by the construction.
Coben estimates the project should be completed by mid-October.
Bailey Gammond, 20, just moved to Quesnel from Edmonton a couple months ago and says the park is much improved.
“We have better obstacles, so it’s easier to learn new tricks,” he says.
“Being able to flow within the new park is a tremendous difference compared to the old street section.”
READ MORE: Design for skatepark extension in final stages
Gammond says everyone loves the new bowl and snake run, where the rollers provide skaters and scooter riders the ability to pump up their speed, so they don’t have to expel too much energy.
“Even if you’re feeling gassed out or too tired from skating, you can still cruise around and catch speed.”
sports@quesnelobserver.com
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