Thanks to everyone who came out to our AGM on May 1st. We reviewed our year and talked about what we plan on doing in the coming year.
High Ollie contest at Go Skate Day 2012
The 2012 fiscal year was a good one for CASE and Calgary skateboarding. Here are some of the things we accomplished:
-consulted with City officials on Skateboard Amenities Strategy
-raised funds through benefit rock show at The Palomino
-increased web traffic and Facebook reach
-met with several communities who have an interest in skateparks
-worked with the City to find a work around for the ramp by-law
-conducted interviews with several media outlets including TV, print, and radio
-held Go Skateboarding Day events/contests
-cleaned up Millennium Park in our annual Spring Clean Up
-sponsored/helped out with contests at Millennium, Westside, and McKenzie Towne parks
-helped out with Boarding 4 ‘Betes event at Millennium park.
-skate art auction to raise funds
As a result of the hard work of city administration, officials, and CASE, an RFP (request for proposals) was issued by the city. The RFP asked for firms to submit proposals to implement the Skateboard Amenities Strategy.
“Scope of requirements for this project includes communication, site selection, concept planning, construction drawings, and construction tendering.”
The RFP closed on April 30th, 2013 and promises a pretty aggressive timeline:
-Selection of highest rated proponent: two (2) to three (3) weeks after close of RFP
-Kick off meeting: 2013 June
-Finalize Project Scope with project Team: 2013 June
-Site Selection for all sites: 2013 end of July
-Participatory Design Process: 2013 end of November
-Construction Drawings: 2014 January
*The City reserves the right to modify any of the dates noted above.
Ringing the bell – Go Skate Day 2012
“The Skateboarding Amenities Strategy envisions the development of a network of fifty (50) outdoor skate parks across the city over the next ten (10) years. The total City of Calgary planning, design, development and construction budget for the first two (2) years of the Strategy is two million dollars ($2,000,000) in 2013 and two million dollars ($2,000,000) in 2014.”
Keep in mind that “fifty skateparks” is their vision. It may be more, it may be less. A more accurate figure to look at is the skatepark terrain square footage the Skateboard Amenities Strategy says Calgary is currently lacking by — 243,860 (P.70). The bottom line is we’ll have new skateparks by next year. Multiple parks. In different locations with varied terrain.
-Seton Regional Recreation Centre 18150 56 St SE (Neighbourhood Skatepark)
-North West Regional Recreation Centre 11300 Rocky Ridge Road NW (Community Skatepark)
The communities shown in the table below have expressed interest in having a skatepark in their area:
Another action item that has come up for CASE is the possibility of an indoor park. The City has put out an Expression of Interest for “DEVELOPING, PROMOTING AND OPERATING, AN ARTS, CULTURE AND/OR HERITAGE FACILITY”.
There is a city-owned building that will be usable by non-profit groups who are in line with the statement above. We’re hoping we’ll be able to convince the decision makers responsible that skateboarding is an arts/culture activity that would be suitable for use of this building.
Other stipulations include:
-Building would be leased from City at a nominal fee
-Operator will be responsible for all maintenance, taxes, and utilities
-Proposal due on June 4th
-Building has a large warehouse-type room with high ceilings, minimal support pillars
-Measures nearly 8,000 sqft
-Heated, well-lit, with washroom facilities
-Very close to Millennium Park
-LRT accessible
As you can see by the photo, a lot of people are looking to get in on this space. CASE is committed to submitting a full-detailed proposal for why this location would make an excellent indoor skatepark, which is badly needed in Calgary.
Some skateboarders have decided to clean up Millennium Skatepark to get it ready to skate for the year. The chosen date is Friday, March 29th starting at about 1:00PM. If you want to help out, please bring:
The City of Calgary, through Evolve Research & Consulting Inc., is conducting a survey to help The City understand the ways in which Calgarians use the natural environment areas on Paskapoo Slopes. The Paskapoo Slopes natural environment area includes portions of the undeveloped lands south of Bowness, between Canada Olympic Park and Patterson Heights, sloping from the top of the hill just north of Cougar Ridge, down to Sarcee Trail and the TransCanada Highway.
Although these lands are not officially a City park, and portions of the area are privately owned, many Calgary residents utilize these lands for extra-curricular activities such as walking, running, cycling etc.
It is important for Calgarians to provide their input through this survey, so that The City can take your needs into consideration for the long-term management of the City-owned portions of the Paskapoo Slopes area. Two surveys are available to be completed; one is based on individual use of the area, and a second survey is available to be completed by group leaders who organize group outings in the area. Please take a moment to confidentially share your usage habits and preferences in the 4-5 minute survey. Your input is valued and appreciated. Please submit prior to April 30th, 2013.
Mayor Nenshi’s 3 Things for Calgary initiative has been running for a while now. Have you suggested your “3 things”? It’s thinking like this that gets things like skateparks added to communities and makes Calgary a better place to live (and skateboard).
For the past several years, CASE has been working our collective butt off trying to get more skateparks built in our city. While we share everyone’s frustration that not 1 square foot of concrete has been poured yet, we are totally stoked at the prospects for new Calgary skateparks because we see huge progress down at City Hall. We know that the network of skateparks recommended in the Strategy has strong support from City Council and City Administration. The fear is that somewhere between the Strategy and pouring concrete, skateparks could get lost in the myriad of other needs Calgarians have. This is where you come in. The time has come for Calgarians who see the value of skateparks to really get things rolling.
If It Is To Be, It’s Up To Me
If YOU want to see more skateparks in Calgary, you need to help make it happen. Right now, that means contacting your community association to say “we need a skatepark in our community”
The enthusiasm and desire for new skateparks in Calgary has never been higher. A FaceBook Petition group had about 1500 supporters in only a few days. The enthusiasm is great, but enthusiasm needs to become action to make a difference. If YOU want to see more skateparks in Calgary, you need to help make it happen. Right now, that means contacting your community association to say “we need a skatepark in our community”. If enough skaters call your Community Association, they will approach the City about building a skatepark. The more Community Associations that approach the City, the better our chances are that Calgary will FINALLY see new skateparks opening soon across the city.
What Can I DO?
Skateboarding in Calgary needs adults and youth who recognize the need for skateparks in Calgary to:
Call the President and follow up with an email to express your enthusiasm for a skatepark in YOUR community. Be sure to:
Be polite, be positive, and be respectful – earn respect for the skate community
Not to demand, complain, or criticize – keep it positive to earn respect
Not to knock other activities (hockey enthusiasts love their sport as much as you love skateboarding), keep the focus on the need for skateparks and the value for your community
Give some good reasons for the skatepark, such as promoting active and healthy lifestyles, giving young people something to do in their free time, and providing skaters as safe place to skate
Offer your help organizing, fundraising, or doing whatever else you can do
Mac Towne Skate Jam 2012
We are not entitled to more skateparks; we have to work for them like every other sports group has to do. In recent years the Calgary football community raised a lot of money to upgrade the fields they play on, skateboarders will have to do the same if they want more skateparks. The enthusiasm is great, but it is meaningless unless those who want more skateparks get involved and contribute whatever time, energy, expertise and money they can. Please contact your Community Association, and if you are really serious about seeing more skateparks in Calgary, you could even get involved with CASE. If Calgary is to finally have more skateparks, it is up to you. What can you do to contribute? What will you do to help? CASE hopes you’ll do all that you can.
Need help advocating for a skatepark in your community? Contact CASE and we’ll give you a hand.
Here is a good chance to demonstrate the need for both indoor and outdoor skateparks in Calgary. The Canadian Active After School Partnership (CAASP) wants to better understand how children and youth between 5 and 17 years of age spend their time after school from 3 – 6 pm. They needparents and care giversto complete a short survey that will be used to help plan after school programming in Calgary. Parents and caregivers can complete the survey here. Those who do may enter a draw for one of 3, $150 Sport Chek gift certificates.
Here is a good chance to demonstrate the need for both indoor and outdoor skateparks in Calgary.