The City of North Vancouver will explore options for a temporary skate park location at Mahon Park while the Lonsdale Skate Park is being removed. The Lonsdale skate park is being removed for construction of the new Harry Jerome Community Recreation Centre.
CNV council has approved a staff proposal to work with the skateboard community to look at whether a space at Mahon Park can house a temporary skateboard park, and allocated $175,000 for design and construction of the skate park amenities.
The temporary location is next to the basketball courts and pickle ball courts and is deep enough into the park to buffer skate park noise for neighbouring residents, CNV said.
“Outdoor recreation space is vital in advancing our goal of being a healthy and people-oriented city,” said Mayor Linda Buchanan.
“The City has long been committed to ensuring the recreation needs of all are met as we deliver the new state-of-the-art Harry Jerome Community Recreation Centre. We recognize the importance of this sport as well as access to skate boarding infrastructure. I’m pleased to say that staff is working with members of the community on the design of a temporary skate park.”
The City explored alternate timelines for removal of the Lonsdale skate park during construction. However, the skate park is on the site of the future aquatics facility, which will require the most complex and significant excavation.
The skate park had to be removed for this part of the new Harry Jerome Centre to remain on track, CNV adds.
The new skate park, budgeted at $1.2 million, will be completed as part of the new HJCRC in 2025.
CNV is encouraging the skateboard community to use other skate parks including Kirkstone, Parkgate, Peter Sullivan (formerly Ambleside), Seylynn Skate Parks and the Griffin Bowl.
This is great news but where was the forethought?!
Council, a buck short and a day late.