Feb 22, 2002 St. Catharines Standard They feel like outlaws in their own town, but skateboarders, in-line skaters and BMX bike riders in St. Catharines have no intention of being driven out of sight.... quotes: "Yeah, we're kicked out everywhere. We're like targets. They'll harrass us for nothing. We're not trying to cause trouble. We just want to skateboard." Lee Hildebrand - 15, St. Catharines Collegiate student "I mean, all the cities around us have a skatepark. We're the only ones without it." Mitch Dumont - 16, Governor Simcoe student "About $230,000 has been included in the city's draft capital budget for the park, however, that amount could change and there's an expectation a lot of that will be covered by fundraising." Kathy Huckla - Recreation Supervisor |
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Feb 25, 2002 St. Catharines Standard It's about time St. Catharines did something to accommodate the hundreds of teenagers who skateboard, in-line skate and ride BMX bikes. They're tired of being kicked out of public places and empty parking lots, and the city finally appears ready to act.... |
May 14, 2002 St. Catharines Standard In a unanimous vote, Councillors agreed to let the city's skateboard committee move donated ramps and other equipment to the parking lot of the Queen Elizabeth Communty Centre...... quotes: "St Catharines doesn't have that much for youth and skateboarders are really not the kids you have to worry about, because if they have a safe place to skate they won't be causing trouble elsewhere." Jonathan Medenach - skatepark committee spokesman "We all get hurt falling off a skateboard. I look forward to this...the park is long overdue." Brian Heit - Councillor "There are more injuries in hockey rinks and basketball courts...my son, now 29, is still an avid skateboarder." Judy Casselman - Councillor "We will be watching how this is going because it's going to be very important towards the next step of a permanent skatepark" Mayor Tim Rigby |
Check out the press clippings regarding Skateparks, Council Meetings and Committee Meetings |
PRESS COVERAGE |
PRESS COVERAGE |
May 8, 2002 St. Catharines Standard After turning down a temporary skatepark at a city arena, then a city tennis court, Council says it will not approve a temporary skatepark at the QECC parking lot until concerned neighbours allow the park.... quotes: "The presence of youths in the parking lot will increase crime and vandalism in the neighbourhood. I'm also opposed to the noise the youths and their skateboards will make" Dorothy Timson - neighbour "I like to see kids happy but when they are together, they are brave, and I am seriously worried about break-ins" another neighbour "St. Catharines is one of the few Niagara municipalities that doesn't have a skateboard park, and when skateboarders travel to Grimsby, Oakville or Niagara On The Lake to skate, civic leaders shouldn't be surprised if they leave town for good at 18." Kathy Huckla - City Recreation Supervisor |
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April 15, 2002 St. Catharines Standard Skaters and BMX riders were in almost unanimous praise of the new (Grimsby) park, which lies on the east side of Christie Street and south of the QEW.... quotes: "It's got stuff for every different type of skater and for all styles." Justin Paddock - 14, Stoney Creek "It's worked out quite well...there was no grand opening, no advertising required. All of a sudden people were using it in droves. We haven't received a single complaint from a neighbour." Bruce Atkinson - Grimsby Manager of Operations "If they build it, they will come" Chris Falardeau - 19, Welland |
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click on the buttons to read entire story..... |
Pic's |
Letters to the Editor |
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May 7, 2002 St. Catharines Standard A plan for a temporary park at the Queen Elizabeth Community Centre in St. Catharines was stalled Monday night, after Councillor Rondi Craig said the neighbours weren't asked their opinions.... quotes: "The people on Peach Dale were never consulted, they were never advised. They are extremely insulted." Rondi Craig - Councillor "The skatepark committee was never told we should be talking to the neighbours. We would have done it if we had known." Jonathan Medernach - Skatepark Committee "It's a healthy sport and it keeps them out of trouble. The community centre is on a bus route and is centrally located. This is a way to recognize and support our youth." Carol Disher - Councillor |
