It’s not just about the sport, it’s about providing a safe family venue.
That was the message conveyed at an April 28 information meeting by a small group of residents working to create a BMX/skate park on the grounds of the Elora Community Centre.
“What we are here for tonight is to propose this particular piece of land which starts at David Street off the berm and between where the existing baseball diamond is located,” said resident Staci Baron.
“There is a basketball court there now and our thoughts are to make that cement area a little bit larger and bring in some portable skateboard equipment.”
But primarily it is a BMX track organizers are raising funds for.
Current estimates peg the cost at $125,000 and, “We are at $28,000 already,” said Baron. She explained that $25,000 would come from the township and the remainder from within the community and service clubs such as the Elora Lions Club.
She added, whatever is constructed, will depend on the amount of money raised. Some of that work, Baron said, could include bringing in special clay dirt that does not become mush after a rainfall. She also stated there are various prices for track setups.
“We’d like to get the community involved in the build, where possible,” which could involve the donation of materials or labour, she said.
“We intend to create a crowdsourcing website – where our goal is to get $20 out of 30,000 Centre Wellington residents.”
She anticipated the project would be able to accommodate skateboarders as well.
“Our opinion is that our independent sport enthusiasts are very poorly served in this community and we would like to create a zero fee-based sporting activity for those kids that don’t like team Sports or can’t afford them.”
Baron added, “Team Sports always tend to create an economic divide and can be cost prohibitive for a lot of families in our community.” In comparison, “A helmet and a skateboard and you’re good to go for $100,” Baron said.
Elora resident Joshua Mac said this venture creates an opportunity to find and make someplace safe for young people and their sport.
“In Elora, we don’t have a lot of activity for youth if you are not into team Sports,” said Mac. “This park isn’t just about skating, it’s about BMX and creating something that is accessible for the whole family.”
Those behind the project want to create a community-driven design rather than bring in someone from the outside. Their idea is to bring all parts of the community together to design something that is accessible for people from four to 40 years old.
Mac said the park in Fergus isn’t as accessible to little kids because it is high impact in a small area.
“Our hope is to design a safe area to allow parents and their children to use the park at the same time as the older risk takers,” he said.
Mac added the intent of bringing the community together is to end up with a park which is not only good for the sport but good for the community.
“The truth of the matter is, they cannot build it on their own,” he said.
The BMX skate park creates a spot between the baseball diamond and the playground where a family can come and spend the afternoon – and make use of a space which has been under-used, he added.
