By Cecilia Nasmith/Today’s Northumberland
The new year may bring movement on replacing the aging skateboard facility in Donegan Park, following a presentation to Cobourg council on Wednesday by Chris Chafe of the Cobourg Skateboard Association.
The organization began a few years ago “mostly to create opportunities for connection, friendship and recreation” in pursuit of a sport that began in the ’40s and ’50s as a creation of California surfers. It has since become valued (as stated in the findings of the Tony Hawk Foundation) as an activity that improves mental health, fosters community and encourages diversity and resilience.
At present, Chafe said, the park averages 6.3 people using it an hour. And in addition to actual skateboarding, the group runs community events and organizes work parties to make repairs – because though the faciity has held up very well, it has nonetheless outlived its useful life.
He cited the town’s Parks and Recreation Master Plan, which points out the need to replace this facility – and perhaps expand it, as there is space to the south and east of its current site. Chafe reiterated the group’s willingness to work with the town in the project’s development and funding.
Deputy Mayor Nicole Beatty noted that the town, several years ago, committed to a 50% investment in a new skateboard park. Mayor Lucas Cleveland said that the actual amount was $250,000.
“You need to get out and get the fundraising going, because there’s $250,000 sitting in the account that needs to be matched,” the mayor said.
Beatty said the amount was $150,000, and asked for confirmation from Director of Lacricia Turner. Turner said there had been $450,000 in the 2023 budget, “but 50% of that was debentured and 50% was through grants and fundraising.”
Councillor Adam Bureau made a motion to refer the presentation to staff for a report back. Turner noted that the PRMP also speaks off the need to replace the old washroom building in Donegan Park, and asked that the staff report address that as well.
