In the long term, Van Moll hopes to shift the committee to a general youth group rather than a special interest skateboarding group, adding by making the skate park a welcome space for all youth, it’s helped build connections with other community groups. The skate park committee is on track to begin phase two next spring.ĭepending on funding and support, phase two may be completed next spring, but the committee intends to continue with work each year until the project is completed. Phase two will focus on expansion of the park, by adding more entry-level features. “There’s no coaches, there’s no rules as to how you’re supposed to do it, and I think that’s why a lot of kids gravitate towards it.” It’s an inclusive environment that’s all their own. They can skate, it’s not programmed, they’re just able to come and do their thing, and I think, be themselves. “It’s a place where kids can come and hang out. “I think the skate park is a very inclusive space that doesn’t provide too many barriers to entry,” he said. Unlike other sports, the skate park offers a largely unstructured activity, where people can choose what they do. The ultimate goal of the project is to make the skate park an inclusive, safe space for youth in the community. This acts as a densifying agent, which Van Moll hopes will last for 15 to 20 years. The final step in phase one is a finish seal on the concrete. Kodiak Concrete helped the committee with this. The main goal of phase one, however, was resurfacing the concrete. New features have been added too, including a quarter pipe and a concrete clamshell. Van Moll has taken on a leadership role in the project, handling volunteer organization, project management, fundraising, and communications. “Sometimes less is more,” said skate park committee lead Tyler Van Moll. This will allow for more movement around the park. Over the past few weeks, some features at the skate park have been removed or modified to create better traffic flow, such as a few rails and grind boxes. Phase one, which was completed June 12, involved resurfacing and revitalization of the existing park. The recent construction at the park is part of a two-phase plan. After two weeks of construction the Grand Forks skate park reopened on the evening of June 12.Ī project that has been years in the making, the skate park is the heart of the youth community in Grand Forks, providing a space for skateboard, scooter, and BMX bike users to practice their skills and connect with friends.
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