12-year-old Max Hyman was among the first riders to check out the newly opened skateboard park at Harewood Centennial Park off Howard Ave. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

skateboarders rejoice

VIDEO: New high-end skate park opens at Harewood Centennial Park

Jul 3, 2020 | 6:04 AM

NANAIMO — Skateboarders are now honing their craft on what’s described as a world-class skatepark in the heart of the Harewood neighbourhood.

Dignitaries and skateboarders converged at the brand new skateboard facility at Harewood Centential Park on Thursday to officially open the $750,000 park.

Harewood Neighbourhood Association vice president Peggy Lake cried during the event, having spent more than 20 years lobbying for an area skateboard park.

“Finally after all of these years (they’re) going to have something to do besides hanging out at 7-Eleven or riding their skateboard in the grocery store area where they’re not allowed,” Lake told NanaimoNewsNOW.

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The more than 11,000 square foot street-style plaza facility includes ramps, stairs, rails, platforms and a large bowl for more advanced riders.

The local skateboarding community helped guide the design process.

Nanaimo Skateboard Association president Jordan Pletz said he’s overjoyed with how the vision turned to reality.

“I couldn’t be happier with it,” Pletz said. “Everyone involved in this project worked hard and made sure that no detail was overlooked. This product is perfect.”

Pletz said an important aspect of the design was incorporating features for all skill levels to promote long-term skill development.

“It’s giving people the tools to progress all the way from start to finish and to have similar obstacles that they’ll have in world-class facilities,” Pletz said.

He said with skateboarding now an Olympic sport, it has gained much more popularity internationally and locally.

The outdoor facility includes original First Nations art work, including contributions from Snuneymuxw First Nation artist Joel Good.

Nanaimo Art Gallery curator and lifelong skateboarder Jesse Birch said artwork of a salmon-filled stream through the middle of the skate park replicates the Chase River directly beside the facility.

“It’s so important to have a story of this place, representing the traditional territory of the Snuneymuxw people through Joel Good’s art.”

Birch said art painting was strategically placed in lower traffic areas of the park for longevity.

The City reports the project is within budget, with $510,00 covered by the City and the rest paid for by private contributions.

The project will be completed with fencing to be installed around the skate park, which will have a tailored maintenance plan, according to the City’s project manager Mike Strain.

The only other formal skateboard park within city limits is at the northern edge of Nanaimo at Pioneer Park. There’s a small skate park feature beside the Nanaimo Curling Club, while Cedar is also home to an outdoor skateboard facility.

Numerous additions to Harewood Centennial Park in recent years include a covered sports court, children’s playground and beginner mountain bike area.

ian@nanaimonewsnow.com
On Twitter: @reporterholmes