After countless hours of hard work and determination the Brodie
Avenue Skatepark/Walking track had its grand opening on Saturday. A street that was once one of Yorkton's biggest eyesores and one that was devastated by the infamous Canada Day flood is now a crowning achievement of the City of Yorkton and a brand new landmark for the city.
A ribbon cutting ceremony as well as speeches from Aaron Kienle and Mayor James Wilson highlighted a day of skateboarding fun that featured giveaways and a free hot dog lunch provided by CAB Clothing and Harvest Meats. Everyone on hand was happy with the way the project turned out and the day was a celebration in recognition of the hard work of the people involved in the project as well as the people of Yorkton for making it a reality with their votes in the Aviva Community Fund competition.
Aaron Kienle mentioned how the City of Yorkton fully embraced the project and listed a large number of local business and groups who helped with the creation of the park. Business and groups mentioned included; R&H Electric, CAB Clothing, Yorkton Skateboard Club, Farrell Agencies, B3 Extreme, Yorkton Skateboard School. New Line construction was given a special mention in building and forming the skatepark.
Mayor James Wilson was more than pleased at the number of Yorkton residents who use the new facility on the daily basis noting, "The number of people skating and biking at the park is phenomenal." Wilson also scoffed at the notion and questions, of how much the parks final bill was, making it clear that the money was well spent to add to the city's infrastructure. Dave Nussbaumer and Farrell Agencies were personally congratulated by the mayor as well as the Yorkton Skateboard Club and CAB Clothing for joining forces with Farrell Agencies and the city in promoting the grassroots campaign.
Wilson pointed out that it is not just skateboarders and BMX fans that benefit from the park. He says several senior citizens came to him to tell him how much they enjoy the walking track and watching the youth of Yorkton skateboard and enjoy the park.
With the park officially opened B3 Extreme and the Yorkton Skateboard Club are hosting the 2012 Freedom Tour Skate Jam 2012 on September 22 to further the park's opening festivities. The day starts with a sign up and free skate at 12:30 pm before the competition begins at two.
