A new winter activity will soon be offered in Yorkton following a decision by Yorkton Council.
By unanimous vote at its regular meeting Monday Council gave its approval for a snowboard hill in the city.
Darcy McLeod, Director of Community Development, Parks & Recreation, told Council a hill for snowboarders has been a consideration for a while in the city.
"Over the last number of years, Administration had discussions with community members about the development of a snowboard hill somewhere in the City. This started with thoughts of working with Public Works to pile their snow behind Gloria Hayden and led to thoughts of using the new Skate Park. The first option was not feasible and our Skate Park construction company advised that use of the Skate Park was not appropriate," he said.
"In the fall of 2013, the discussion turned to Rodney Ridge as there is a natural slope that could be used on the north end of the Park. An inactive reservoir from the old water tower is located in this same spot so Environmental Services was consulted. The result is that no equipment heavier than a bobcat would be permitted on the slope for maintenance and a snow fence or reflective markings will be required to separate an area where a valve for the reservoir still exists."
McLeod said the City will not be building a hill, but will instead work to enhance the natural topography.
"A hill would not actually be built but rather snow will be shaped into a pile at the top of the slope to provide a better starting point for the snowboarders to get down the existing hill. The City would move the snow for this purpose and given the amount of snow required, the impact to the budget is minimal and will be part of the current snow removal process. We have also been informed that the City's insurance will be increased by $1,000 to cover the snowboard Hill under the City's policy. This additional charge will be allocated through the Parks budget. The costs of this project will be monitored and if it becomes an issue, the project will be re-evaluated as part of the annual budget process," he said.
"The community members have designed features for the slope and will be responsible for all costs to build, install, maintain and remove the features, which has been approved by our insurers. A sign will be placed at the park similar to what is at the Skate Park for which we will obtain our insurer's approval. The City's insurer has been involved in this process since day one and has approved this location."
The Community Development, Parks and Recreation Committee endorsed the idea of a snowboard hill.
