New skateboard parks coming to Calgary neighbourhoods

The city is building three new skateparks scheduled to open this fall.

One will be for the adjoiningcommunities ofChinook Park,Kelvin Grove,Eagle Ridge (CKE), and the other two will be constructed in Southwood and Huntington Hills.

A fourth parkplanned for Edgemontwas shelved because thatdistrict's community associationformally withdrew its application after months of debate.

• Edgemont skatepark park plan reportedly nixed

"These parks will begin to address the gap in facilities that are within the city and the number of participants," said Tom Hansen, with the city's recreation department.

"These are intended to beplaces where families can come together and participate in this activities," said Hansen.

"Theseskateparkshave been designed and located in communities in highly visible areas. The community's citizenshave all been engaged in the design and location of the skatepark."

He said the city is working with community associations to determine other locations, including some in the northeast.

Of the 50,000 Calgarians who take part in wheeled sports, at least 35,000 people use skateboards, according to the city's Skateboard Amenities Strategy.The other sports areBMX, in-line skating and scooters.

Each community was asked for feedback before the plans were approved.

TheChinook Park,Kelvin Grove,Eagle Ridge (CKE) park will be built at Elbow Drive and 73rd Avenue S.W.

• See the city's concept plan for the CKE park here.

TheSouthwoodskateparkwill be built atSackvilleDrive S.W.ongreenspacebetween theSouthwoodrink and Ethel M. Johnson School.

"The inspiration behind the design is based on A-frame houses and barns because the site was at one point a traditional working farm and/or a homestead and so "barn-red" wood and decking material have been incorporated," the city said on its website.

• See the plan here.

The Huntington Hillsskateparkwill be built at Centre Street and64thAvenue N.W. next to theexisting tennis courts.

• See the plan here.