All-wheel Skatepark coming to Kindersley!
By Joan Janzen
A modern skatepark is coming to Kindersley, and Tyrone Kennedy-Bush is passionate about spreading the word! The project will be called the Kindersley All-Wheel Skatepark and Outdoor Recreational Area.
Tyrone noted an all-wheel park would help our community get away from the stigma of a skate park. The community area will be equally accessible for bikes, skates, and even wheelchairs. “I want everybody to roll around, at any skill level,” he said.
He’s been trying to get the word out, encouraging people to fill out the survey and provide feedback. A digital survey was available from September 15th to 29th, where skateboarders, BMX and scooter riders, local interested residents, parents and spectators could list features they would like to see and give their input and concerns. The feedback will help contribute ideas for creating the facility’s new design.
A few interested people attended a Skatepark Design Workshop on September 16th at the West Central Events Centre. “The workshop didn’t have a great turnout, but we gotta start somewhere!” Tyrone said. “There were 5 or 6 kids who came to the meeting who had skateboards. A few kids said they skateboard in their garage. A lot of kids are interested. It’s an Olympic sport now.”
Tyrone has visited skateparks throughout Saskatchewan and Alberta, at Tisdale, Nipawin, Melfort, Yorktown, and two in Medicine Hat. “Every small community in the area has a pool and rink, so they have no reason to be in Kindersley,” Tyrone explained. “The skatepark would create a central place for all those communities. Their kids will want to come here.”
As an avid skateboarder, Tyrone said the sport is instrumental in helping kids learn to overcome fears and helps to boost their confidence. “Lots of kids don’t play competitive sports; there’s not an outlet to be creative,” he said. “This allows for that.”
Tyrone is a business owner with a family; nevertheless, he has been making time within his busy schedule to promote the project to businesses and would welcome others to come on board and help out. He manned a table during Goose Festival Days, where people could learn more about this exciting community project.
“I chatted with about 200 people; everybody was interested,” he said. “A lot of kids and young parents want to see it happen, so kids can do something constructive. I think today’s communities have learned that skateboarding doesn’t breed trouble. We just need to give them a space to have fun.”
The town has provided the space in Rosedale, near the dog park. “There’s not many wide open areas that have that much space. It’s pretty accessible. I think it’s the perfect spot because it’s literally out in the open,” Tyrone said.
In order to move ahead with the project, a geological survey of the land will need to be done, and a design and budget developed. “Then we’ll be able to go to all the businesses and show the town the commitment we have for the final approval,” Tyrone said. Many people have expressed their willingness to contribute but need details for the project, which will cost $700,000 or more.
Tyrone is hoping he’ll be able to hit the pavement hard this winter, gaining community support so the project can begin to get underway.
Tyrone Kennedy-Bush is promoting the Kindersley All-Wheel Skatepark and Outdoor Recreational Area, which will be available for all skill levels and ages.