Resident funding could make or break Enchant skatepark project

By J.W. Schnarr
Vauxhall Advance
jwschnarr@tabertimes.com

An idea for a skateboard park in Enchant originally proposed by a 13-year-old local resident is in the hands – or rather, the wallets – of Enchant residents interested in making the proposal a reality.

During their regular meeting on Feb. 24, M.D. council addressed a letter from Brady Howg about his proposal to build a skateboard park for Enchant youths. The issue was back for another round of discussion after administration previously accepted the proposed plans and cost estimates provided by the Howg family.

“I had a chat with the family and told them we’re going to have to come up with some funding,” said Division 6 Coun. Duff Dunsmore. “I think it sounds like, from talking to some of the families around, there are a lot of people to help them with things like that.”

“The ball is in their court to see what they can do,” he added. “We’ll find a spot for them.”

Reeve Brian Brewin asked if it would be possible to tie the proposed facility into the town park.

“To me, that’s where a lot of these kids would be coming from in the summer,” he said. “But I guess my fear is crossing that highway.”

Dunsmore said the park would better benefit local children rather than campers.

“It’s mostly probably going to be the regular kids,” he said. “Most campers aren’t going to come with their skateboards.”
“Probably the biggest thing for parents would be to have it in town rather than going across the highway to the park.”
It is now up to the community to figure out where the dollars for the proposed park will come from, if there is a will to see it built.

“We’ve already given them a letter of support, and we’ve said we’ll supply some land, but now it’s up to them to find some funding.”

However, council was not opposed to providing some funding, should the need arise.

“I don’t think we’re opposed to putting some money into it,” said Brewin.

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