Sackville axes skatepark study, mayor votes no in tie-breaker
Sackville town council has refused to pay for a feasibility study to look at options for a new concrete skatepark in Sackville.
Councillors Matt Estabrooks, Michael Tower, Bruce Phinney and Mayor Shawn Mesheau axed the proposal at council’s meeting Monday night.
The study would have cost $12,500, and was to be conducted by Newline Skateparks. Newline was to consult community members and develop a rough idea of design features and cost for permanent concrete skatepark at the current Dufferin Street location. Recreation director Matt Pryde told Tantramar Report that the study, if approved, could have been completed by Christmas.
The proposal originated in a community budget meeting request back in 2020, when resident Alex Thomas pitched improvements to the current skatepark, focusing on more entry level features for younger kids to develop their skills on skateboards, scooters, and bikes. Thomas told council at the time that a skateboard park, ”offers accessible recreation, regardless of income.”
“It’s really great for kids who might not have families who can drive them all over the place,” said Thomas, “or might not be able to work out the big bucks for some of the more expensive sports. It’s really awesome in that way. It’s just super inclusive.“
The decision against the skatepark study comes in the same year that Sackville town council approved $60,000 per year for at least two years to help subsidize certain sports through a fee rebate for youth.… Continue