LAC LA BICHE - Lac La Biche County residents were given a chance to review proposed designs and provide feedback for the upcoming skatepark and pump track set to be built as part of phase two of the McArthur Park Redevelopment in spring 2024.
Two open houses were held in the Bold Centre lobby on Dec. 6. Lac La Biche County officials, as well as representatives from Drop In Skateparks Inc., the Manitoba-based design firm tasked with building the skatepark and pump track, were on hand to speak with attendees and answer any questions they had.
The first open house, which took place from 11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m., was focused on students, although members of the public were welcome as well. During the noon hour, several JA Williams High School (JAWS) students who were on their lunch breaks stopped by to check out the designs on display and provide input regarding what they would like to see for the park.
A second open house for all community residents took place from 4-8 p.m., along with an open house regarding a management plan for Alexander Hamilton Park.
Kyle Sheppard of Drop In Skateparks Inc. said these open houses are a great opportunity to connect with the community and interact with local residents of all ages who are interested in the project and hear what they have to say.
“It gives us an awesome opportunity to see what the actual needs of the project will be,” Sheppard told Lakeland This Week.
According to Sheppard, the design firm has already gone through a preliminary design phase, drafting up two designs. These designs, which were presented at the open houses, are around 12,000 square feet total. He said that the firm has been working with a local advisory committee comprised of council members, high school students, as well as interested community residents that provide feedback.
“We drafted two preliminary designs that we think really grab the idea of what the community would like,” Sheppard explained. “It comes down to what are the design elements and the features that people would really like to see… and so that’s the information we are collecting today with the open house.”
Sheppard said the open houses give the public an opportunity to see the visuals that have been created, and provide feedback regarding the features they would like to see taken from each one of the designs, which in turn helps with crafting the final design.
Included in the preliminary designs are two different concepts for pump tracks, one that is an organic flow design, while the other is more of a technical flow. A pump track is a circular loop comprised of rollers and berms, that requires riders to use pumping instead of pedalling or pushing.
Sheppard said pump tracks are beneficial to have in recreation areas, especially for children who are just learning to bike.
“It gives them an opportunity to be exposed to a skatepark in a very non-threatening fashion,” he stated.
Several local kids attended the open houses for the skatepark and pump track, including Maya White, a skateboarding enthusiast who welcomes the new addition to McArthur Park, saying it will help to promote the sport locally.
“More kids will get involved in skateboarding,” she stated.
