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Cranbrook, BC (December 6, 2021) -- As part of long-term park planning, the City of Cranbrook is seeking input on how it might improve or expand on the Viking Skatepark, located at Balment Park. 

The City has engaged New Line Skateparks to conduct an initial feasibility and design report.  New Line has developed nearly 400 skatepark projects over the past 20 years and is regarded as an industry leader.

“Cranbrook’s Viking Skatepark has been an important fixture in the Western Canadian skatepark network for over 20 years – producing some of Canada’s most well-known riders and contributing to the rich history and culture of action sports in the Kootenays,” says Trevor Morgan, Director of Business Development with New Line Skateparks.  “We’re honored with the opportunity to assist in defining a vision for how continued development of the facility will best serve the community in the future.”

A key component of the report is to gather feedback directly from the park users. A public survey is open now and closes on Monday December 20, 2021.  You can access the online survey here or use the QR code to access the survey through your smartphone.

For those who do not have online access, you can call the Recreation Department at 250-489-0220 to arrange a time to pick up a hard copy. Following the survey, there will be opportunities for the public to view the proposed concepts and provide final feedback.

 “The skatepark is a very well utilized facility, attracting not just skaters, but also BMX and scooter riders,” says Stacy Paulsen, Director of Recreation and Culture. “During the pandemic, we were reminded just how important it is to have outdoor recreation opportunities available for our youth, so it seemed the perfect time to start thinking ahead to the possibilities for this area. The existing park has fairly advanced features, and we are anticipating some focus toward more entry level elements.”

In 2001, the Viking Skate Park opened to serve the youth in our community. The project was a vision of the Cranbrook Youth Park/Skateboard Park Society and the City to develop a variety of youth activities with a major focus on a Skatepark. Through City funding, business donors, and a significant contribution from the Scandinavians of the East Kootenay, the skatepark opened and continues to be well used twenty years later.