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Co-op gives $125,000 for skatepark initiative

A large donation has revived the hopes of the St. Paul BMX & Skatepark Society for having a new skatepark being built as soon as this fall, according to one of the main organizers.

A large donation has revived the hopes of the St. Paul BMX & Skatepark Society for having a new skatepark being built as soon as this fall, according to one of the main organizers.

Dan Reid was overjoyed when he found out Co-op agreed to donate $125,000 to the initiative, after two previous applications to the Community Spaces Program were denied.

"It was a much needed donation that came at the right time," Reid said. It came "At a time where we needed a little bit more wind in the sails to make sure (the park) is going to move ahead."

Reid said there were concerns the project "would be delayed more," should the group be denied the grant. Reid estimated a year-long delay had that been the case.

"By supporting projects like this, we're helping to build and support a vibrant and healthy community where people can come together," said Graham Getz, General Manager of Cornerstone Co-op in a statement.

The skatepark project is currently in its fifth year since plans began to move forward.

The group has set a $700,000 target budget for the park, which includes gifts in kind.

Reid says they were especially gunning for a matching CFEP grant from the Alberta Government, which would cover $365,000 - the amount they had already raised. The group was informed in March that its application was not successful.

The Co-op grant puts them $210,000 shy of the target. Reid stressed however that he will not to get hung up on the $700,000 figure, as it can be reached in other ways, in lieu of hard money.

"We still need lots of donations, but what we'll be polling the public for is lots of gifts in kind. For example, we're looking for the aggregate for the concrete. That would be a huge cost saving (measure) if we can get that donated."

Reid's interest in getting a new skatepark is motivated by helping local youth in more ways than one.

"In that adolescent age group, there's a lot of things going on in a lot of kids' lives. (The skatepark) gives youth something to focus. (Skateboarding, BMX) isn't very expensive. You think of the children and youth in this community that don't have very much at all," he said.

Reid's brother, Michael, had taken an interest in BMX before he passed away. Reid said he has tried to turn a tragedy into a gain, following his brother's passing, and having the park as a passion project only helps the younger generation.

"This type of outlet provides them a place where they can focus their mind on something that's productive to themselves. It's mental health, and physical health," said Reid. "Skateboarding is an outlet for youth to grow, mature, and give them an opportunity to get away from problems at home."

The construction period is expected to take between 12 to 14 weeks, and the park is being designed by New Line Skateparks out of Calgary. The location for the park is set for just off of 53rd Avenue and runs parallel to the Iron Horse Trail. The expected size is targeted between 9,000 and 10,000 square feet.

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