Skatepark earns award

The city’s skateboard park earned a 2010 Parks and Recreation Ontario Excellence in Design Award.

The PRO committee, board members and staff said they were impressed with the contributions the Skateboard/BMX Plaza has made to the community.

"This is such an exciting milestone for the local skateboard and BMX community," said Mayor Lynn Peterson. "This plaza is a testament to what hard work and community involvement can accomplish, and it has the potential to become a destination spot for skateboarding enthusiasts across the country."

The award will be presented next month at the PRO Conference in Niagara Falls. Myles Cizmar, supervisor of community recreation, along with two members of the Thunder Bay Skatepark Coalition, will be in attendance to receive the award for the city.

"I can’t think of a project that is more deserving of this award," said David Tranter, Skateboard Coalition member. "The skateboard BMX plaza embodies all of the attributes that make for outstanding public spaces, and represents an exciting and hopeful new chapter in Thunder Bay’s development."

The Skateboard/BMX Plaza covers nearly 25,000 sq. ft. The city also describes the park as a casual socializing space set within a vibrant landscape designed to capture the spirit of Thunder Bay’s Waterfront.

The award recognizes high standards of planning, design, and community involvement, quality of aesthetics, usability, accessibility and versatility.