Following a meeting Thursday morning, the Fort Frances Kiwanis Club has struck a committee to look into establishing a skate park here by next spring.
“What I want to do right now is find out what’s available, and find out the costs involved,” said club past president Steve Maki, who is spearheading the committee.
“Then we’ll look into grant applications and just how much we have to raise,” he added.
Maki said he was inspired to get such a park—which would let kids skateboard, in-line skate, and even BMX freestyle here—after the Memorial Sports Centre had a trial setup in its parking lot during the summer.
“There’s a definite need. You saw all the kids out there all summer,” noted Maki. “The kids are out on the street, and we want to give them something to do.
“I’m sure if we had one, there would be 20 kids there at any given time.”
The proposed park would be located on the corner of Second Street East and Reid Avenue, on the north side of the arena complex.
“It’s a perfect location. Lion’s Park is across the street. Mom could come with the kids and be right there, playing with the younger ones at the park while the others are at the skate park.
“Make it a real family outing,” Maki reasoned.
Maki noted the committee will be working with Megan Ross, the town’s physical education director, who did some research for council to establish a skate park here earlier this year.
“Mayor Witherspoon promised this some time ago, so we’re hoping to get as much co-operation as possible,” said Maki. “And anyone else who wants to send us money, bring it on down.
“It’s gonna take the winter to jump through the hoops [but] our intention is to break ground first thing in the spring,” he added. “We want to get it done quick—cut through the bureaucracy.”
Maki said developments could happen as soon as the committee’s next meeting late next week.