MM council approves location for skatepark

Posted Feb 16, 2012 By Tara Gesner

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EMC news - Thunderous applause erupted in council chambers last Monday evening during Mississippi Mill's Recreation and Culture Committee meeting, as council voted for the mini soccer playing field at Gemmill Park as the location for the future home of the Almonte Skateboard Park.

Close to 50 people (adults and youth) attended the Feb. 6 session.

For nearly two years, the Almonte Skatepark Committee (ASC) has been working vigorously to get the new skatepark constructed.

"Committee members in attendance (tonight) have always seen Gemmill Park as the area for the skatepark," said Calvin Murphy, recreation co-ordinator.

He cited the park's size and its proximity to the municipality's downtown core/recreational hub as significant reasons.

The mini soccer playing field was initially discussed as a possible site in June 2011, though a key concern was the Almonte Soccer Club's use of the area and "what could be done to find a replacement field, if necessary."

"The club was willing to work with us," said Murphy, "on the condition we could find them (another) space."

Later on, he met with town planner Stephen Stirling and Keith Blades of the soccer club to speak about parkland in the Riverfront Estates subdivision, which appeared to be a suitable location.

until October 2012 - which means there could be a two-year window before the Almonte Soccer Club plays on the field - the club has stated "they could use a portion of the softball diamond in Gemmill Park in the interim for its soccer practices."

A motion was passed at the Oct. 17 council meeting that the recreation co-ordinator work with Houchaimi Holdings to develop multi-use sports field on the Riverfront Estates Phase 3 site.

To discuss the newly proposed location, meetings took place in the following months with the surrounding neighbours of Gemmill Park, along with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), ASC and a representative of the Police Services Board.

Murphy noted in a recent report to council that the OPP is in full support of this location and would provide proper surveillance of the area. Furthermore, rules and guidelines, as well as skatepark hours would clearly be posted "to avoid late hour disruptions in the park."

Going forward, the ASC will meet to discuss fundraising, grant options and more.

"This (skatepark) is a major omission," said Coun. Alex Gillis, "something we are missing in the community."

Coun. Bernard Cameron commended the people in attendance for their dedication to the initiative.

"Finding a spot is a great move forward," he said. "I fully support this."

LOOKING BACK

Renovations at the Almonte and District Community Centre were set to begin in 2010. Consequently, it was necessary to remove the skateboard ramp located in the parking lot. As the structure was in serious need of maintenance, discussion at a Recreation and Culture Committee meeting resulted in the recreation co-ordinator being tasked with investigating the community's interest in resurrecting a new skateboard park in the municipality. The feedback was extremely positive and the ASP Committee was formed to look at different ideas, locations and more.

Murphy said Gemmill Park was "overwhelmingly" the preferred location.

During a two-hour public meeting on Jan. 25, 2010, ASC members, councillors and town staff spoke to 80-plus participants (adults and youth) - sharing information and summarizing progress. Almonte native and professional skateboarder Richard Sarrazin attended the meeting.

Sarrazin and his father built the original ramp at the community centre, after the patriarch found out his 15-year-old son was hitchhiking to Kanata so he could then go by bus to Ottawa to skateboard.

By June 2010, Murphy brought forward to council a recommendation to investigate a specific site in Gemmill Park for the skateboard park - the area directly behind the swing set at the park's main entrance. Councillors were supportive but asked for a public meeting to take place "to discuss and gather feedback and comments from neighbours and residents of the area before any resolution would be passed."

Concerns did surface during a public meeting on July 14 and, as a result, a decision was made to explore other areas. The president of Spectrum Skatepark Creations, Jim Barnum, toured Almonte in August 2010 to offer his professional opinion.

Outlined by Murphy in a written report: "One of the locations that Mr. Barnum felt could be a good fit for the skatepark was the location situated at the bottom of Almonte Street in the parking lot area across from the Metcalfe Geoheritage Park. He felt that if the area passed the appropriate inspections it would be an ideal spot."

A motion was carried at the October 2010 Recreation and Culture Committee meeting authorizing staff to complete the survey and geotechnical study for the alternative skatepark location. Before proceeding, Murphy discovered a sewer line ran directly through the area, which made it difficult and costly for to consider this option further.

The ASC continued to meet in early 2011, and although other areas were discussed for the skatepark - Meadowglen park, the Business Park, parkland in the Riverfront Estates development, and the green space in front of the Almonte and District Community Centre - the group felt strongly that Gemmill Park "continue to be explored to see if an alternative location (within) could be determined."

tgesner@perfprint.ca




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