Home News Local News The Pefferlaw Pump Track and Skatepark officially opens!

The Pefferlaw Pump Track and Skatepark officially opens!

June 23, 2024

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By Angie Sullivan

The grand opening of the Pefferlaw Pump Track and Skatepark had everyone smiling at Pefferlaw Park on Saturday, June 22.

Kids on BMX bikes, scooters and skateboards tried out their tricks and jumps, while their parents enjoyed a free barbeque hosted by the Lions Club.

This new, fully-inclusive, fun zone is part of the transformation of the Pefferlaw Ice Pad located at 38 Pete’s Lane.

Mayor Margaret Quirk was there for the opening ceremonies and said, “This project is part of $1.4 million worth of improvements here at Pefferlaw Park.” Other upgrades include community gardens, public wifi access, and an EV charger.

Mayor Quirk also mentioned more projects in the works like barrier-free washrooms, trail expansion, and exercise stations.

Mayor Quirk, Council & Staff cut ribbon to officially open Pump Track & Skatepark

Emil Barclay, from New Line Skateparks Inc., the company that built the facility, shows off his moves.

Ward 5 Coun. Lee Dale takes a spin on the pump track

Ty Rodgers, a local BMX rider, had input into the development of the park and said, “When I was growing up riding, we would build little ramps and dirt jumps and they’d get taken away by the Town. We’d get into trouble and cause mischief.”

“To see something like this get built; It’s awesome. The kids are going to love it. My kids are going to love it. Town did a great job.”

Another local rider, Micheal Squires said, “The facility is a ten out of ten. It’s going to be a lot of fun for the summer and all the generations to come.”

Dave Harding, Pefferlaw Lion and former Ward 5 Councillor, is a major supporter of the project. Harding said, “When I was out campaigning and drove through the Woodland subdivision the kids were riding up the side of my little car wanting to talk. So I stopped and talked to them. They said, ‘I understand that you can make things happen. We need stuff around here for us kids.’”

Karen Wolfe, Pefferlaw Area Residents’ (PAR) Advocacy Chair, said, “This is a wonderful facility for our youth and I want to thank former Councillor Dave Harding for his support in getting this approved at council.”

Lee Dale, Ward 5 Councillor said, “We’ve had a lot of community input and they were clamoring for it. It’s going to be a tremendous place.”

One of the major motivators behind the creation of the skate and pump park was providing local children with a safe space to ride their bikes and boards.

Dale said, “It’s been completely designed by designers who know what they are doing. The skate park is one hundred percent completely accessible. So if you are a senior next door or have accessibility issues you can come over here and participate. It’s accessible for emergency services. It’s a fully lit facility. It gives families security knowing they can come here as a group and everyone will be safe here at the park.”