Big start for Welland skatepark
Adam Kmety was there when the first Welland skatepark opened, and he will be there when the new one opens this Saturday.
The city-born-and-raised skater who sat on the design committee for the new skatepark remembers how he would visit the old park after taking up the sport at age 10.
“I was there every day,” said Kmety, now 27, between running lines at the new park that has been well used since it was completed in the fall.
He got involved with the design committee of the $650,000 facility through his efforts as a skateboard instructor at Welland Community Wellness Complex, on the opposite side of the Welland Recreational Canal.
He was quick to praise the new park, complete with a bowl, rails, flat tops and quarter-pipes, for its low-profile street feel, and diverse range of features for beginner to more advanced users.
“It’s great for the kids, that’s what it is all about,” said Kmety, explaining he hopes as the Lincoln Street park opens users will create a welcoming atmosphere of respect and friendliness, not only for the park but also for new boarding enthusiasts.
It was the culture of skateboarding that first grabbed Kmety as a child.
“We’re all on the same team,” he said, adding skateboarding taught him a form of acceptance. No matter anyone’s background, all skaters share the same streets and same love of the sport.
“It (skateboarding) brought me a new life,” said Kmety, who will
be running lessons at the park.
City community development and volunteer co-ordinator Krista Bowie said Saturday’s grand opening, noon to 4 p.m., is a chance to showcase the facility to the whole city, even if skateboarders and BMX riders have been ripping it up at the site since the fall.
“We know the skateboarders have been eating it up since September,” said Bowie, explaining that the city held off on a grand opening until final touches could be put on the park. Landscaping is being completed this week.
Bowie said the city has an opening party planned, with performances by cover band The Associates and a stunt team demo from The Local Skate Shop.
“It’s going to be a high action and fun-filled performance,” she said.
Other attractions include food trucks, a Community Living youth art project featuring painted skateboard decks, inflatable bouncers, community vendors, prize giveaways and a bike valet.
“We really want to provide the whole community the opportunity to come out,” said Bowie.
Mayor’s youth advisory committee chair Vani Sharma said it is great to see the official opening approaching. MYAC has been fundraising and pushing for a new park — citing safety concerns and aging equipment at the old park behind the King Street arenas — for nearly a decade.
“We’ve been looking forward to it for so many years,” Sharma said, adding some special thanks is owed to design and construction firm New Line Skateparks.
“It looks wonderful,” she said, adding, “it’s going to bring a lot of youth to a safe space.”