Paving, but no new equipment for skateboarding park

Although Beaconsfield will invest about $21,000 to lay down fresh pavement as part of a minor extension of its skateboard park, it hasn’t revisited plans to add new equipment.

The paving will cover a grassy area that was added and fenced this summer, Mayor David Pollock said.

The new section, next to the recreation centre, is on the south side next to city hall.

The contract unanimously awarded to Les Pavages D’Amour Inc. by council last week to put down asphalt pales in comparison with the $175,000 bid that was rejected in June that would have added new equipment to the skate park, such as quarter-and half-pipes, as well as a gazebo, a water fountain and better lighting. The city had estimated the cost of the skate park equipment upgrade at $155,000. The lowest of the four bids received, however, came in about $20,000 over that estimate and the majority of council voted it down. Some skaters told council during the June meeting that the existing equipment is rusty and outdated. Last year, the city had consulted teens.

Councillor Karin Essen, the only one to vote in favour of the earlier $175,000 offer, said while she is pleased with any improvements, she doesn’t think the city does enough in general to meet the activity needs of its tween, teen and young adult demographic.

Pollock said the city might, at some point in the future, add new equipment at its skate park but a decision hasn’t been made yet.

The city will likely look at adding new equipment at the skate park next spring, such as a halfpipe, according to Michael Dooling, Beaconsfield’s director of culture and leisure, adding it will probably be a slimmed down version of the project considered this past June.