Sooke Skate Park Concept Design

Background:

The Sooke Skate Park was built in 1997 by the Rotary Club of Sooke and is currently operated by SEAPARC Recreation. It was identified as a priority in the 2015-2030 SEAPARC Strategic Plan and is now at its end of life. The current condition of the park is unsafe for continued use and is currently closed to the public. Repair of the existing park is not a financially viable option.

There are significant safety concerns including gaps and cracks between the steel and concrete. There is surface area degradation, concrete chipping and rough concrete that exists in multiple areas of the park, and dimensioning of specific obstacles poses significant risk which has rendered many areas of the park unusable and/or dangerous.

• Media release

Concept Design:

With the support of Radius Skate Parks, SEAPARC engaged the community and skate park advisory committee to provide input and feedback into a concept design for a renewed skate park. Steps included:

• Survey
• Public design workshop
• Initial concept designs presentation workshop
• Initial concept design survey
• Final concept design

The concept design is now complete (image above). This design will provide a plan for future development and upgrades to the Sooke Skate Park. The design incorporates as much feedback as possible within our current budget and site topography. See more views of the concept design on the right.

Next steps:

The CRD is pursuing an alternative approval process (AAP) to obtain elector approval for borrowing in order to complete the renewal project. The alternative approval process is a form of approval that allows electors to indicate whether they are against a local government proposal moving forward. If approval is received from the community, the CRD can proceed with the technical design and build, in addition to pursuing fundraising/sponsorship options to add some additional features, such as more lighting and a covered area. The bylaw to initiate the alternative approval process has been submitted to the Province for approval. The AAP is anticipated to take place in the spring of 2025.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the design workshop, initial survey, design presentation and/or concept design feedback survey and the advisory committee. The input and support for this project has been fantastic!