Youngster wants city to get rolling on new skate park

I would like you and council to think about my request because lots of kids will use it and it will make them happy.

City council received an unusual petition on Monday, requesting the city consider developing a skate park in the College Heights area.

The handwritten petition was organized by a young student named Mitchell Brown and signed by more than 40 of his peers in a variety of coloured markers.

“I would like you and council to think about my request because lots of kids will use it and it will make them happy,” Brown wrote in his petition cover letter.

Skateboarding and scootering are healthy, positive activities for kids, Brown wrote, and there are lots of places in College Heights where a skate park could be built.

“My friends’ moms are tired of driving to the skate park downtown,” he added.

Mayor Lyn Hall and members of city council praised Brown for his efforts.

“Well done to Mitchell and all the kids who got involved,” Coun. Brian Skakun said.

There may be an opportunity to partner with community groups to help fund the development of a skate park in College Heights, Skakun said.

City manager Kathleen Solits said while the Nechako Rotary Club donated $25,000 toward the construction of the Hart Skate Park – which opened in Cpl. Darren Fitzpatrick Bravery Park in September 2016 – the majority of the $500,000 project was funded by the city.

Coun. Jillian Merrick said a skate park would fit with the city’s broader vision for parks in the city, but Brown might be many years older before he sees it come to fruition.

“There is a need for a destination park in College Heights,” Merrick said. “I wish you could snap your fingers and build a skate park tomorrow... (But) I think it aligns with where we are going.”

— Mitchell Brown