A $250,000 contribution from Teck will help give Fernie’s new skate park a unique addition.
Fernie officials said the donation was announced at the groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday.
The future park will replace the existing facilities with an all-wheel sports park, catering to skateboarding, inline skating, BMX biking, and scootering.
Staff said the new park will offer more than opportunities for recreation and sports events.
“The Fernie Skate Park will serve as a venue for youth programming initiatives, community events, and local competitions, fostering inclusivity and creating opportunities for engagement,” said Fernie officials.
The $250,000 donation from Teck will go toward constructing a roof.
“Designed in collaboration with the Fernie community, the park’s new roof structure will enhance accessibility for families and visitors by providing additional protection from weather and extending the park’s usability throughout the seasons,” said city officials.
“The new Fernie Skate Park will provide a great asset to our community, renewing a well-loved recreation amenity and offering enhanced low-barrier access to outdoor recreation and encouraging participation in healthy activities,” said Nic Milligan, Mayor of Fernie. “We are thankful for the backing of Teck and our other project partners for driving the success of this new community hub.”
“Teck’s contribution underscores our longstanding relationship with the Fernie community and our commitment to helping to build healthy, vibrant communities in the areas where we operate,” said Robin Sheremeta, Senior Vice President of Teck’s coal division.
Money for the park also comes from a $1.28 million grant from the Federal and Provincial Governments through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.
Further funding comes from the Province of British Columbia’s Resort Municipality Initiative Program, and Columbia Basin Trust, alongside the donation from Teck will make the roof structure possible.
“New Line Skateparks is leading the design and construction of this project, and has incorporated extensive community consultation in the final design,” said City officials. “Construction for the Fernie Skate Park commenced on May 15, 2023 and is projected to be complete in fall 2023, officially re-opening in Spring 2024.”