Upgrades to Redcliff Skate Park complete thanks to grant

Posted on October 31, 2024 by Ryan Dahlman

By Anna Smith
Southern Alberta Newspapers
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Thanks to the hard work of community partners and a grant provided by the Community Foundation of Canada, the Redcliff Youth Centre is pleased to see enhancement to the Redcliff Skate Park completed.

The centre received a grant from the Community Foundation of Canada for $92,596 initially, in order to improve a community space, which was then dedicated to making the skate park more accessible.

“Last year, the Town of Redcliff helped us lay sod and put in irrigation,” said Janae Ulrich, executive director of the Redcliff Youth Centre. “Then this year, we put in an asphalt pathway, an accessible asphalt pathway with gazebo shelters. Obviously it gets really warm in this area in the summer. So to be able to provide a sheltered space for kids and families in our community was really nice.”

The improvements include picnic tables under the gazebo shelters, the pathway, bike racks and additional greenery such as shrubs and trees, said Ulrich.

“It was really important to us to create an accessible area so that everybody is welcome. The pathways are nice and wide, so they’re accessible to those that are in wheelchairs, or, you know, moms that are pushing strollers and watching their kids play at the park,” said Ulrich.

The location is ideal for those with children of different ages or in different activities, as it is directly across from the Redcliff Arena.

“We are grateful to the Community Foundation of Canada for the funding from the Healthy Community Initiative supporting the Redcliff Youth Action Society with funding to make their skate park accessible,” said Sydney Ratzlaff, grants and communications co-ordinator for CFSEA, who oversaw the project.

Youths who utilize the centre were very involved with the project, as was the Town of Redcliff and a series of local partners, including GVN Structures and Blue Imp, which have all contributed to making this a reality since the grant was first received in 2022. Methanex also pitched in to help youths clean up the park on Oct. 15 to get ready for winter.

“It feels pretty amazing to be able to play such a large role in a community project that will outlast my life, and provide a space for the community as a whole to be able to connect and engage and come together,” said Ulrich.