A group building a skateboard bowl underneath Quest Bridge has been told to put down its shovels.
District of Squamish officials were alerted to the development of a skate bowl on district property under the Quest University bridge. While officials have nothing against skateboarding, the facility's developers don't have permits, Mayor Rob Kirkham told council on Tuesday (Jan. 21). Besides the structural integrity of the bridge and a look into environmental impacts, the district would be responsible for the park's insurance because it's on district property, warned Linda Glenday, general manager of development services and public works.
The project has rolled ahead of itself, Coun. Ron Sander said. Its proponents need to jump through the same hoops as Squamish Off-Road Cycling Association's members did to develop the new mountain bike skills park at Brennan Park, he noted. There was no public consultation about the project, Sander said, adding not all neighbours may welcome the development.
A group of loosely organized skateboarders pooled together to make the professionally built facility a reality, said Michael Quesnel, owner of Stuntwood skateboard shop. He said he's optimistic skateboarders and municipal staff can work through the red tape. Once built, the bowl would be only covered skateboard park in Squamish, he said.
We can't afford a warehouse, Quesnel noted.
The bowl is 22 feet by 45 feet. It's a good distance away from Mashiter Creek, he said. The area was already used by teenagers as a hangout, Quesnel added, noting with the new addition, the site can be better controlled and monitored.
It adds another constructive activity for people to do in the Highlands, Quesnel said, noting the bowl would cost approximately $100,000 work that is being done for free.
The group intends to work with district officials. The park is a couple hundred feet from the waterway and already has a safe access path, he said.
We just have to figure out the liability issue.
The Chief will be following up on this story for the Thursday, Jan. 30, newspaper.
