The new skate park, set to be built in Mission later in 2016, could get a few extra enhancements, thanks to the generosity of the public.
The $440,000 budget for the new park – which will be constructed on the grounds of the Mission Leisure Centre, adjacent to the old skate park location – is adequate to complete the project. However, due to the desire of some community members to make the park even bigger, the district has created a Friends of the Skate Park program that allows for community fundraising.
All money raised will go toward the completion of an additional section which would include an open skating area and tiered seating and ledges. This addition would not involve any of the original budget for the park.
The Mission Optimist Club has already created a GoFundMe page for the park and a grant has been submitted to the Ministry of Justice Victim Services and Crime Prevention Division for funds. Another grant will be applied for in the spring, in conjunction with Mission Youth Unlimited.
Coun. Rhett Nicholson said youth in Mission are already donating allowances and trying to organize fundraisers.
“What the kids are basically fundraising for is extra seating along the top west side. The more we have the better,” he said, adding that by donating money to the park they are making it their own.
“Any extra money they get will be their little element that they put in there. They are going to have some ownership as well.”