The dream of building a skate park in Trail is rolling along.
On Saturday, at the old Liquidation World in downtown Trail, almost 150 people of all ages, gathered to support the Trail SkatePark project.
The event, sponsored by the Kootenay Skateboard Series, featured various rails and jumps that were set up for avid all-wheelers to showcase their talent.
“I’m happy that so many people showed up today,” said Ashley Escott, youth chair for the SkatePark committee.
“And it was nice to see that it wasn’t just skateboarders.”
Scott Daniels, rotary chair for the SkatePark committee and emcee for the event, was please to see so many children turn up with parents in tow.
“We are hoping that businesses will see how much of the community has gotten behind us for an event like this,” said Daniels.
“And they will want to step forward to be a part of this signature project.”
A highlight of the event was the unveiling of the new skate park logo.
St,. Michael’s student and artist, Clarice Tuai, designed the winning look.
“I first heard about the contest from my teacher and it took about two days to draw,” said the Grade 6 student. “I was so surprised, and happy to win.”
Tuai was awarded an iPod touch, courtesy of AM Ford, and her logo will be used to brand and represent the Trail all-wheel park.
“Clarice’s design was simple and gender neutral,” said Liz Johnston, SkatePark committee member.
“And it shows more than just skateboarding.”
When the weather gets warmer, the SkatePark committee is planning to host more skateboard jams to keep the spotlight on the project.
“We would like to have an event just like this, but on site at the park’s location,” said Daniels.
The committee has a sign, “site of future SkatePark”, in the works to bring awareness and vision to the Rossland Avenue locale.
The all-wheel skate park will have 18 features, and the top sponsors will have a feature named after their business, said Daniels.
The SkatePark committee has raised $288,400, which includes the $275,000 that the City of Trail committed to paying.
The total cost of the 8,000-square-foot all wheel terrain park is $550,000.
For more information, sponsor brochure, and skate park plans, visit www.skatetrail.com.