INNISFAIL - Even with a recent cold blast from Mother Nature construction for the town's highly anticipated skatepark is still moving full steam ahead without any change in the planned end of October completion date.
"With the cold weather that we have had I know that it did add a bit of work for them in terms of keeping the concrete warm while it dries," said Meghan Jenkins, the town's development coordinator who added the town is happy with the progress made by Calgary-based New Line Skateparks at the site, located at the intersection of 42nd Street and 51st Avenue.
She noted the projected completion date of Oct. 31 that was heralded earlier in the summer is still the goal. Jenkins also noted that the million-dollar project is also on budget.
"So far it has been a really smooth process. It's been very nice," said Jenkins. "They (builder) kind of run their own show, They bring in their own guys, as opposed to some of our other projects where we are dealing directly with the various trades contractors on everything. They are in charge inside their fence."
Jenkins said work crews have completed pouring all the concrete for all the main skatepark features, including ramps and slants, and are now pouring the concrete for the flat sections.
"That is basically the final stage of the construction, doing all the flat portions, and then they will be doing the final rough landscaping, which is how it will be left for the winter," she said, adding next year landscaping will be done around the entire skatepark, including installation of sod, trees, shrubs, picnic tables and benches.
Jenkins added there will be four sidewalk connections created at the skatepark, two coming out at an angle from the north side towards 42nd Street, along with one each from the west and east sides. She said they will be adorned with plantings. However, Jenkins pointed out the town is still working on a final landscape design, which will be tendered out.
As for the land on the south side of the skatepark site that was once occupied by the Innisfail Horseshoe Club, ideas for its future use are still being discussed, said Jenkins.
