New joint site suggested for Teen Centre, skateboard park

In a surprise move last night, City Council decided to recommend that a surplus school be considered as a new joint home for a new skateboard park and the Sault Ste. Marie Teen Centre.

The City's Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee (PRAC) is currently seeking a home for a skateboard park and several people have suggested it be based at the financially-troubled Teen Centre.

However, the Teen Centre is reported to be physically inadequate for either an indoor or outdoor skateboard park.

Last night, Ward 6 Councillor Peter Vaudry pointed out that both the public and Catholic school boards have surplus buildings that could accomodate both the proposed skateboard park and the Teen Centre.

AUC profs involved in writing business plan

"The Teen Centre and the skateboard park should be together if possible," Vaudry said.

"I think it's a natural fit to have the two together."

Backed by Ward 1 Councillor David Orazietti, Vaudry persuaded Council to ask PRAC to conduct a review of surplus schools and to consider whether the two institutions could co-habitate.

City staff have been authorized to participate in the process.

Mayor John Rowswell said last night that two professors from Algoma University College and a group of AUC students are developing a business plan for the Teen Centre as part of the work in their social services program.