The Kinnaird Youth Indoor Skatepark is celebrating the successes of its second year.
With the support of the Kinnaird Park Community Church and the City of Castlegar (through grants from the Columbia Basin Trust Community Funding Initiatives), the former woodworking shop of the old Kinnaird Middle School is now the home of an indoor skatepark that has been growing in popularity since it opened in December of 2011.
The venue had 333 visits by boarders in the 44 days it was open last winter, providing a unique space to get exercise, practice boarding skills and socialize.
Volunteers have played a major role in keeping the space accessible.
"Our regular schedule was maintained by a dedicated group of volunteers and provided opportunities Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings for our 160 plus registered skateboarders, of all skill levels, to enjoy a safe warm indoor location," said Ty Smith, coordinator for the skateboard park.
The indoor park is now closed for the season and will re-open again in early October.
With the snow hopefully gone for good this year, skaters are now ready to get fresh air and hone skills at the Castlegar Rotary Skatepark beside the complex. One of the oldest such facilities in the Kootenays, the outdoor park is celebrating its tenth year, said Smith.
A Facebook page for the park now has over 200 members and Smith said it has been a great way to keep all skaters informed of the ongoing activities at the facility.
The page can be found at www.facebook.com/groups/kinnairdyouthindoorskatepark/
Smith will be teaching classes about the basics of skateboarding on Saturdays from May 4 to May 25, 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the outdoor skatepark. Registration for those classes is through the Castlegar and District Recreation Complex.