Skatepark construction underway at CDCC

Construction on the skatepark at Creston & District Community Complex is now in full swing, CDCC manager of recreation Randy Fediuk reported at the May 2 Creston Valley Services Committee meeting.

READ MORE: Design phase of Creston Community Park well underway

New Line Skateparks Inc., a Langley firm that specializes in skateparks, began construction in late April on the site prepared last fall. After the placement of storm drains, the pouring of retaining walls and skatepark features is now in full swing.

“Now that the design and planning phase is complete, it is extremely exciting to see the actual construction of the new multipurpose skatepark at the CDCC get started,” said Tanya Wall, Chair of the Creston Valley Services Committee and Director of RDCK Area B. “We are progressing from vision and plans, to reality and great recreation experiences for residents and visitors.”

The skatepark is the key feature of a larger community park, which is funded with a Federal Gas Tax Fund grant. RDCK officials will meet on May 9 to consider two new proposals from contractors for the rest of the park, which will include a variety of activity areas, including pickleball and general purpose courts.

The scope of the project was put into question early this year when bids for the construction of the original design exceeded the budget. A new bidding process broke the contract into smaller segments and asked contractors to offer options.

“The skatepark construction will be a very interesting project and process to watch as it takes place, but we remind the public that this is and will be an active construction zone with moving equipment, vehicles and supplies on site,” Fediuk said. “For everyone’s safety, we ask that the public please take care and respect all safety barriers and fencing, and keep out of the construction site.”

Updates about the project will be shared on the RDCK website at www.rdck.ca/CrestonCommunityPark. Visitors to the Complex can also view conceptual drawings, schematics and project updates on display in the main lobby.

In other CVSC business:

• The RDCK will support the development of a Goat Riverside Park off Highway 21 South, and provide staff support to the Trails for Creston Valley Society to get approvals. Area A Director Garry Jackman pointed out that individual directors should not participate in the society’s request to the Provincial Agricultural Land Commission to allow the creation of park amenities. The application could be jeopardized if political interference is perceived, he said.