By Vanessa Ybarra

Skatepark set to open this summer in Chase

Jun 7, 2017 | 6:00 PM

CHASE, B.C. — It’s a dream that’s one step close to becoming a reality.

After numerous failed attempts, the community of Chase is getting closer to having it’s own skatepark in the village.

Along with a place to practice and learn new skateboard tricks, the park will provide a safe spot for teens to hang out, keep active, and stay out of trouble

Chase is one of ten communities vying for funding in the BCAA Play Here contest.

Winning the money would serve as a huge shot in the arm to get this project closer to completion. 

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Most of Zane Hallam’s life has been on four wheels.

“I’ve been skateboarding for as long as I can remember,” said Hallam. “My older cousin was a big skateboarder so I used to go to his home a lot and use his rails and ramps.”

With no skatepark in his home community of Prichard and in neighbouring Chase, the 16-year-old has to rely on sidewalks and open parking lots to get some mileage.

“For skateboarding we stay on the sidewalks, that’s why people have such a big problem because they’re afraid it’s dangerous to other people.”

Those dangers are bound to decrease.

Come July, a former skating rink is set to be home to Chase’s first skatepark.

“We had a few truckers and other contractors donate their time to rip out the ashpalt,” said Kelsey Snelsgrove, President of the Chase and District Skatepark Society. “Since then,  there’s been different work parties getting together every weekend to get each part of the park built.”

Last year The Chase and District Skatepark Society entered the Kraft Heinze Project Play contest where the top winner receives money to go towards a recreational space.

“We ended up coming away with $20-thousand from that contest, so that’s been a huge help for us getting to where we are now,” said Snelsgroe. “We’ve taken that funding, built on it, and finally started construction.”

Since then the society has raised an additional $30-thousand to go towards the skate park

“We’ve done hot dog sales, bottle drives, we’ve also gotten a ton of donations from individuals and businesses,” added Snelsgrove.

The group also submitted a video into the BCCA Play Here contest where the top three communities in B.C. receive $100-thousand to go towards the play space of their choice.

“Being chosen out of all of those communities is really amazing and being a top ten is a great opportunity,” said Snelsgrove. “At this point, it doesn’t look like we’re going to win but it’s still great to have those votes and support.”

Regardless of whether the city wins the contest or not, Snelgrove says plans for the one-of-a-kind skate park are still in full motion.

“We’re just waiting on concrete and a few other finishing things, but we’re full steam at this point. It’s been in the works for so long, just having it completed will be such a sense of accomplishment and pride for this village.”

As for Hallam, his days of sidewalk skating are numbered.

“I think it’s a good fit for Chase,” said Hallam. “It’s just great to cruise around, that’s what this park will be great for. You get to just ride around and have fun.”