Summerland skate park campaign stalls

Anticipated $300,000 grant from federal government did not come through

A campaign to build a new skateboard park in Summerland has hit a major speed bump.

A $300,000 grant from the federal government that would have covered half the total cost failed to materialize this winter, leaving a massive hole to fill.

“It’s a very large number and we’re working very hard to raise that money, but it is an ongoing project,” said Erick Thompson, chairman of the Summerland Skatepark Committee.

The committee was struck last year to help find cash for the project. The group meets next on March 30 to plot strategy.

Proponents had hoped to break ground on the project this year, but that appears unlikely now.

Still, the District of Summerland’s acting parks manager declined Monday to rule out that possibility.

“With possible donations that come in, you never know what’s going to happen,” said Joanne Malar. “It’s all going to depend on donations.”

She noted the district has yet to finalize its 2017 budget, while staff is continuing to investigate other grant opportunities. Plus, community members have been coming forward to help.

As it stands, the park has just shy of $140,000 committed to it, according to a running tally on the district’s website where donors are listed.

Of that total, $135,000 is from the Penny Lane Society, which provided the cash for conceptual designs. Another $3,570 has been pledged by individual donors.

There are also two fundraisers planned in coming months.

On March 27, comedian Tim Nutt is performing at the Barking Parrot in Penticton. Tickets cost $20 and are available in advance at the Penticton Lakeside Resort, or in Summerland at Prima Pizza or Homeside Video.

And on April 22, there will be a dinner and dance at the Summerland Legion. Tickets cost $25 in advance and are available at The Suburban Princess, The Beanery and Pescada Hair Studio.

The skateboard park is to be located on the northeast corner of the athletic field at Summerland Secondary School.

The land is being donated by the Okanagan Skaha School District, while the District of Summerland has agreed to cover insurance and maintenance costs.

There is a skateboard park in the community already, however, it is small, dated and tucked away near the arena with poor visibility.