The Yorkton Skateboard, Bike and Walking Park is a project focused on youth, so it makes sense that the cheque for the Aviva Community Fund prize was presented at the Yorkton Regional High School. The $150,000 prize, the largest awarded in this year's competition, was recently presented to the city by Aviva, and now it's time to start planning.
Nathan Grayston, co-chair of the Yorkton Skateboard Association, says that being involved in the design process for the new park is a dream come true.
"We've already got a few proposals from skateboard companies, we're in the review process at the moment. It's really exciting," Grayston says.
He promises that the park will have features for all different skill levels and styles, and that the final design will be something anyone can enjoy.
"There are going to be street features, transition features like half-pipes, bowls and stair sets, and a good mix of everything from beginner to expert. It'll be a really well developed park with lots of ground for everybody," Grayston says.
Grayston says that he was constantly amazed by the support the project received from everyone in the community. He says it was eye opening to see how enthusiastic everyone became about the project.
"We had a dedicated group of volunteers and we wouldn't have been able to do it without that group. We had amazing support from the business community and the city," he notes.
"You think about the image of skateboarders and you kind of think people have a negative view of skateboarders, but I was totally surprised. It was an eye opening experience for me, everyone was so supportive of this idea."
