Valley Park could get massive skate park

Stoney Creek’s Valley Park is scheduled to host the first skateboard facility especially designed for BMX and scooters, if the funding is available, say city officials.

Wes Kindree, project manager in the city’s public works department, said the plan is to create the city’s first 16,100-square-foot concrete wheeled sport facility near Valley Park’s parking area on a decommissioned baseball diamond. Staff is working on a budget of about $1 million, which has not been allocated by council, for a proposed construction schedule of 2020. A 10,000-squarefoot facility could cost from $370,000 to $525,000, depending on what is incorporated.

Kindree said during an open house at Valley Park Oct. 25 the proposed park design accommodates BMX bikes, scooters and in-line skaters, marking the first time in the city.

The design will incorporate lighting for evening use, a water fountain, proposed expanded washroom facilities, and new pedestrian pathways to the nearby transit stop, trails and sidewalks within the area.

Kindree said depending upon funding, construction could begin in 2020. The proposed design is being handled by consultant New Line Skateparks, which oversaw the design of Burlington’s skate park.

New Line has designed and built nearly 200 skate parks across Canada.