A community-driven proposal to build a new skateboard park in Westsyde Centennial Park is moving forward after Kamloops City Council voted to advance feasibility work on the project following a detailed discussion at the Tuesday, January 20th Committee of the Whole meeting.

The proposed Westsyde Centennial Skateboard Park is being spearheaded by the Westsyde Community Development Society, which has already invested nearly $30,000 in concept design, consulting, and preliminary studies through community fundraising.

“This is a very apt example of the value that the community-initiated request process can bring to a project such as this,” said Ashley Eklund, City of Kamloops Social and Community Development Supervisor, during her presentation to council. “All of the work to date has been funded entirely through their own fundraising.”

The idea was first introduced to the City’s Parks Engagement Group in 2022 to explore potential locations within the park. Since then, the Society has hired professional skatepark designers New Line Skateparks, completed a detailed concept plan, and conducted early community engagement, including a survey and workshop.

The proposed location sits adjacent to the existing dirt pump track at Westsyde Centennial Park and would be designed for beginners through advanced users, accommodating skateboards and scooters. Eklund noted the site has strong visibility from the parking lot but will require further geotechnical and archaeological investigations, as well as consideration of utilities, tree retention, and a required buffer from the nearby rodeo arena.

The Society estimates construction costs at approximately $630,000, which it has committed to fundraising. Under the proposed arrangement, the City would oversee construction and take ownership of the asset once completed, assuming responsibility for ongoing maintenance and future repairs.

Councillors asked several questions about funding, long-term costs, and how the project fits within the City’s broader skatepark strategy.

Councillor Bill Sarai highlighted the Society’s financial commitment so far pointing ot the almost $30,000 they’ve already put into getting to this stage.

Councillor Mike O’Reilly raised concerns about how advancing the Westsyde project might affect plans to replace the aging South Shore skatepark on River Street. City staff responded that the impact would need to be evaluated through capital prioritization once more detailed cost information is available.

Councillor Katie Neustaeter questioned the absence of projected operating and maintenance costs at this stage, calling them “critical information” for Council decision-making. Eklund acknowledged the concern, stating those estimates would be developed if Council supported moving forward with further work.

Some councillors expressed skepticism, while others voiced strong support for the community-led effort.

Councillor O’Reilly questioned whether the proposed cost estimate was realistic and whether the park would see sufficient use, referencing past criticism of Kamloops skate facilities. “I’d like to just hear what the users — the kids that are going to use this predominantly — think,” he said.

In contrast, Councillor Nancy Bepple praised the grassroots momentum behind the project. “There’s a lot to be said for community-driven assets,” she said. “Success breeds success. Having things that people want to do in the same location is actually a really good strategy.”

Mayor Reid Hammer-Jackson also noted strong public interest. “I did go to a fundraiser out there, and it was very well attended,” he said. “They’re very engaged.”

Councillor Dale Bass and Councillor Kelly Hall both pointed to the Society’s commitment and fundraising efforts as reasons to continue exploring the project, with Hall describing the group as “ferocious” in its advocacy.

Council ultimately voted in favour of directing staff to work with the Westsyde Community Development Society to assess the feasibility of the skatepark under the City’s new community-initiated project framework. Staff will report back to Council with recommendations before the 2027–2031 Financial Plan is finalized.

Further site investigations are expected to take place in 2026 if the project continues to advance.