Rendering of what the incoming skateboard park in Qualicum Beach will look like. (New Line Skateparks)

By Ian Holmes

new skatepark

‘We’re going to have a state-of-the-art park:’ new skateboard facility coming to Qualicum Beach

Feb 6, 2025 | 5:28 AM

QUALICUM BEACH — Over the next several months the existing skateboard park in Qualicum Beach will be deconstructed in favour of a rebuilt, modernized amenity.

Located between the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre and ball diamonds, replacing the 25-year-old skateboard park follows a grassroots movement from local advocates.

The new-look park is slated to open by late June, according to Luke Sales, director of community planning and approving officer for the Town of Qualicum Beach.

“Investing in this type of infrastructure in the town really sends a message to youth and families that they have a place in the town, that they have a valuable, meaningful place to hang out and also enjoy the type of recreation that they want.”

He said their consultant, New Line Skateparks, responded to user needs in producing numerous drafts to produce a facility that fits the community’s needs.

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Smoother transitions between features will make the new skatepark more functional, enjoyable and safer for users, Sales noted.

“There’s enough skate parks around the world now that the landscape architects and designers have learned a lot,” Sales said. “We’re going to have a state-of-the-art park, it’s very exciting.”

A local advisory group helped shape what the new Qualicum Beach skateboard park would look like. (New Line Skateparks)

While most users of the new-look Qualicum Beach facility will be skateboarders, Sales notes the amenity will be suitable for inline skating, scooters and bicycles.

While the project isn’t a cheap one with a budget of $1.3 million, Sales notes local taxpayers are unaffected with a provincial grant and developer supplied community contributions supplying most of the costs.

Integrated paths and a viewing platform overseeing the ball fields and skateboard park is an exciting, value-added feature, Sales said.

He called the incoming skateboard park a pivotal, inclusive project.

“Skate park’s are something that’s accessible 24 hours a day, there’s no cost of entry. It’s a very low barrier recreation option and it’s also very attractive to our youth.”

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