A delegation from the St. Paul BMX and Skateboard Society gave council a full look at the history, cost, and future potential of the community skatepark — while questions remain about an outstanding loan tied to the project.

Dan Reid, speaking on behalf of the society, walked council through a project that began more than a decade ago and has since become a key recreational asset in the community.

Project rooted in youth and community need

The skatepark initiative began in 2014, driven by a goal of creating a high-quality space for local youth.

The focus went beyond recreation.

The society emphasized the importance of keeping young people active, engaged, and supported — particularly regarding mental health and overall well-being.

After years of planning and fundraising, the park was officially completed in July 2020, right in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nearly $800,000 project built with limited municipal funding

Council heard a detailed breakdown of the project’s costs, which reached approximately $796,000.

That included:

• A $728,000 construction contract for the park build
• Additional costs for geotechnical work, materials, and site preparation

Unlike similar facilities in other communities — many of which were built with up to 80 percent municipal funding — St. Paul’s skatepark relied heavily on:

• Grants, including the Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP)
• Local fundraising efforts
• Community partnerships

The project also included a $100,000 land lease contribution, further reducing the need for direct municipal investment.

Outstanding $129,000 loan still on the books

Despite the project’s completion, council continues to carry an outstanding loan balance of approximately $129,000 related to the development.

That loan, originally provided to support the project, has become part of broader financial discussions at the Town level, particularly following the recent presentation of audited financial statements.

Council has not made a final decision on how to resolve the remaining balance.

Future vision includes expanded recreational space

Looking ahead, the society is not done with the site.

Reid shared ideas for expanding the area to increase both local use and regional draw, including:

• A pump track
• A potential dog park
• Additional features to enhance tourism and year-round activity

The goal is to build on what’s already there and continue developing the space as a community hub.

Outdoor sports court also part of discussion

Council also connected the conversation to a separate but related project — the proposed outdoor sport court.

While the society has already secured grant funding for that initiative, the Town still needs to determine:

• Its financial contribution
• Where the project fits within the capital budget

That decision is expected to come back as part of ongoing budget discussions.

A community-built asset with ongoing decisions ahead

The skatepark stands as a completed and well-used facility, built largely through grassroots effort rather than heavy municipal funding.

But with the remaining loan still unresolved and future expansion ideas on the table, council will need to decide how it fits into the Town’s long-term financial and recreational plans.