Can you spare some change for an old skatepark? That's the question a cadre of West Vancouver boarders are asking as they seek donations to usher 1990s-era Ambleside Skatepark into the 21st century.
Beaten by weather and forsaken by time, the park's asphalt sports twisting cracks and divots that have snared many wheels, according to Eric Savics, who has spearheaded the Ambleside Skatepark Project.
"Over the years the elements have done a serious number on the ledges and the surfaces," he said. "That park, so to speak, got left in the dust."
Leading the charge to restore the park is Supra Distribution. The North Vancouver skateboardapparel distributor pledged $50,000 to replace the dilapidated bowl.
Savics is hopeful West Vancouver will match funds raised by the Ambleside Skatepark Project.
The West Van boarder took part in a community workshop earlier this month in an attempt to find a vision for the new park.
"There was an awesome range of skaters there from young kids with their parents all the way to the older dudes in their 40s who are still skating," Savics said.
Besides trading asphalt for smoother concrete, many attendees were hoping for a more colourful, visually interesting park.
"A lot of people would like to see something that has the architecture and esthetic look of a street spot," Savics said.
If designed properly, the new park would be replete with swaths of colour layered over obstacles like stairs and rails - all of it designed to give the impression of a section of city road.
Savics is currently at work on a crowdsourcing campaign as well as fundraising events to benefit the park.
West Vancouver council has been supportive of the initiative, according to Savics.
He is planning to unveil a more concrete plan later this spring.
Setting it straight An April 16 story about a support program for people with disabilities incorrectly stated that ConnecTra connected client Bayan Azizi with a book editor. ConnecTra connected Azizi with WorkBC and a job developer to explore employment opportunities.
