Mayor's Youth Advisory members, dignitaries and the public present for groundbreaking and to learn more about the new Welland Skatepark.
by Debi Katsmar. Photos/video by Andy Harris | Lev8
The youth of Welland celebrated yesterday as a long awaited new skatepark ground breaking ceremony took place at the Scuba Park on Lincoln Street in Welland. This skatepark will replace the existing park on the opposite bank of the waterway.
The new park is part of Welland's strategic plan for inclusive activities 10 years in the making. Studies were done and the youth in the community were asked what they were looking for. The Mayor's Youth Advisory Committee has raised money and awareness for the project continuously, finally glad to see the project come to fruition. 
Made by possible by Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program funding as well as monies from the City of Welland, the project is expected to be completed within a 12 week time frame (weather permitting).
The new skatepark will be highly visible from Lincoln Street allowing for the community to witness the athleticism of Welland Youth. The existing park will see a new parking area added to the property, public washrooms and lighting 
- all three needed for the use for this park for this and other activities held here. The park is currently used by scuba divers, people swimming their pets and is home to Welland Floatfest, an event that put Welland on the map with a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the Longest line of water inflatables in July.
"The park will be used by not only skateboarders, but BMXers, even remote control cars as well as people stopping by to rest and relax during their walk along the trail beside the waterway," said Sarah Ane, Community Development & Volunteer Coordinator, Recreation and Culture, Corporate Services for the City of Welland.
Construction of the parking lot has already begun with the entire project starting next week.
