AMHERST - A landscape filled with concrete half-pipes, ramps, railing, tunnels and stairs is a world that skateboarders dream about both day and night.
But it's not just skateboarders who have this dream.
Amanda McInnis, the youth retention coordinator at the Cumberland Regional Economic Development Association, sees many benefits in building a skate park in Amherst.
"When you build something such as a skate park, you recognize that there are youth who are involved in alternative sports and that helps increase retention of youth because you are saying, 'we value you and this is a good place to raise your children'," said McInnis. "And of course there's the cool factor. A skate park would give the town a cool reputation among young people."
Much like the sport of downhill skiing, McInnis calls skateboarding a 'destination sport.'
"Skateboarders travel to Lunenburg, Truro, Moncton and to other places that have these facilities," said McInnis.
"Skate parks are always busy and they're places with a strong sense of community. It's exiting to go watch people at these fantastic spaces interacting and learning from one another. It's not just organized sports that helps people build a sense of affection for their community...facilities like skate parks can do that as well."
LANDinc is presently conducting a feasibility assessment for the Town of Amherst and McInnis would like to see youth getting involved in the project.
"It's easy for youth to say that the town hasn't done anything so why should I get involved," said McInnis. "I know the youth have been disheartened over the years but it's not going to help anybody to look at it from a negative perspective.
"People who have a positive message need to step up and harness the youthful energy to show the town that they do want a skate park. We do have people who are engaged in the sport. We just don't have a facility for them to use."
What about people who say that a skate park is too expensive or skateboarders will cause trouble?
"That's an awful way to look at these engaged youth. I don't think a lot of people appreciate the practice and athleticism that goes into acquiring the skills needed to be a good skateboarder," said McInnis. "And with regards to cost, I don't think the Town of Amherst will be cutting a cheque for $200 or $300 thousand. Some of the money will be in kind donations and manpower and a donation of land."
Town of Amherst councillor Robert Bird recently highlighted how the Truro skate park was paid for.
His numbers included: The Province $80,000, the Town of Truro $55,000 plus land, the County $35,000 and Tim Hortons $30,000, with other money coming from both public and private sources.
"The formula will be no different in Amherst with the Town, County and Province accounting for approximately 2/3 of the funding," said Bird. "And the private sector contributing approximately 1/3, said Bird.
The on-line skate park survey is still up and running and the last day for filling it out is Friday, Aug. 21. Anybody interested filling out the survey can access it on the Town of Amherst website at www.town.amherst.ns.ca.
dmathieson@amherstdaily.com
