Numerous features originally excluded from the Gabriola Island skateboard  project have been re-instated at a cost of $263,000. (RDN)

By Ian Holmes

widened scope

More features ramps up budget of Gabriola Island skateboard park

Feb 22, 2022 | 2:00 PM

GABRIOLA ISLAND — Several amenities excluded from a skateboard park currently under construction have been re-instated, pushing the project’s price tag up substantially.

Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) directors unanimously approved adding $263,000 to the ongoing project at Gabriola Island’s Huxley Community Park during its regular monthly board meeting on Tuesday , Feb 22.

The revised budget is $1,036,600, up 25 per cent from $774,000, allowing several complementary features to now be included.

“Making the change at this time will take advantage of the fact that the contractor is already mobilized and working on site,” an RDN staff report stated, which noted adding the features would become more expensive due to inflation and contractor mobilization factors.

A seating area with stairs to the adjacent sports court will be added, while landscape planting around the skate park and paving of the parking lot entrance will be done. A pair of benches and shaded structures and perimeter fencing will also be done.

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Those items were all removed from the project when the lone construction bid came in over budget, an RDN staff report stated.

The report said adding to the project’s scope better aligns with the initial design and community expectations.

Area B director Vanessa Craig said re-instating the items will maximize the project’s value.

“The amounts for some things seems expensive but I know it’s commercial grade things rather than residential grades, so sometimes there seems to be a bit of a sticker shock, but I think it will really enhance the project,” Craig said.

Rendering of a skateboard and bike park currently under construction at Huxley Community Park. (RDN)

An original construction contingency fund of nearly $100,000 absorbed several expenses, including rock breaking and removal, skateboard entrance and viewing area improvements and landscape restoration.

The additional funds will be taken from the Area B community works fund.

Due to adverse weather the new skateboard park on Gabriola Island isn’t expected to completed until April as opposed to January as originally expected.

A combined $567,000 federal/provincial government grant announced in 2020 allowed the project to proceed, which was also supported by RDN and locally raised donations.

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ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes