New skatepark will open next spring, free skating always

Sault Ste. Marie's new public outdoor skatepark ollied off the ground tonight as 125 people attended a launch meeting for the Superior Skateboard Association (SSA).

The group is expected to work with a consultant to design the new, City-owned concrete facility, expected to cost between $200,000 and $300,000.

The consultant, hired by the City at a cost of $20,000, will also select a site for the skatepark and will investigate its prospects for economic development.

The new facility is expected to open during the Spring of 2004.

No user fees

Jason Phillips, one of the SAA's founding members, said that there's no intention to charge user fees.

"It's going to be the same as a tennis court or a basketball court or any other kind of court," Phillips told the crowd gathered at the John Rhodes Community Centre.

PHOTO: When filling out questionnaires, skateboards make great desks

Imposing entry fees implies someone must be paid to collect the fees, and skateparks rarely are profitable on that basis, Phillips said.

The SSA is ramping up for some major fundraising initiatives.

The group is looking for volunteers to canvass businesses for donations, speak to local service clubs and conduct research.

Some elements of the SSA's game plan:

- establishing the SSA as a non-profit charitable association

- organizing a free day of skating at the Bondar Pavilion on Canada Day, using wooden ramps constructed by volunteers

- putting together a skateboard-themed art show, perhaps with historical exhibits about the history of skateboarding in Sault Ste. Marie

- benefit concerts at the Bondar Pavilion

- after the main skatepark is established in what Phillips describes as a "central" location, other "satellite" parks would be established in other parts of the City

- finally, an indoor park could be considered. These facilities require heat, light and security and are considerably more difficult to develop