A centennial only comes around once. To make sure Drumheller’s 100th anniversary has a lasting legacy, plans are in the works to complete the Centennial Park project.
The project aims to create a skateboard park and a performance stage next to the Rotary Spray Park and Aquaplex.
To fund the project, the Drumheller Centennial Committee has partnered with the Drumheller Association of Skateboard Enthusiasts to pool their resources and gain access to vital grant money.
“The major grant being applied for is the Centennial Legacy Grant, so it would definitely be fitting to do a project in our centennial year,” said Paul Salvatore, Director of Community Services and Centennial Committee member.
The plan at the moment is to build a skateboard park in the grassy area immediately north of the fountain due to the prominence of the site.
“It’s not just about skateboards. We want to make it a more expansive project, but skateboarding is a major component. We expect it to be popular in the community,” said Salvatore.
However, the scope of the project aims to turn the grassy area south of the Aquaplex, next to Riverside Drive, into a performance space.
“In the early 1990’s there was a study done around the same time as the fountain and Spray Park were created to put in the [performance stage] component. With the way we’ve run our Canada Day festivities and other festivals, it could fit. We want it to continue to be a vibrant place and a space for residents to enjoy,” said Salvatore. “For it to truly be a legacy project, it should serve all kinds of residents.”
The hope is the centennial skateboard park and performance stage will attract more visitors to the area and downtown Drumheller as a whole.
“It’s an incredibly dynamic site. We consider it to be high profile and when you have a lot of activity and people, it tends to draw even more down there. It fits in really well with our overall plan and the other facilities in that area. It also gives a connection to downtown and supports people visiting and enjoying our downtown area,” said Salvatore.
The skateboard park is also a little closer to being a reality thanks to a considerable $30,000 commitment from the Drumheller & District Chamber of Commerce earlier in the fall. The commitment is expected to help the Skateboard Association apply for matching grants.
It is expected, should all go well, construction on the Centennial Park project would be completed by the fall of 2013, so as not to interfere with the Canada Day celebrations typically held at the Spray Park.
