New Skateboarding Park at Glenashton Park/Iroquois Ridge Community Centre

A skateboarding park will be developed soon at the Glenashton Park/Iroquois Ridge Community Centre. This development is part of the implementation of the Town of Oakville's Parks, Recreation, Culture & Library Master Plan approved in 2006.

The following is a response to questions and comments from our association to the Town of Oakville regarding the new park:

1. The facility hours will be consistent with the Town's Park By-law. This means that no one should be in the park (Glen Ashton or the Skateboard) between dusk and 6am. This will be regulated by installation of appropriate signage.

2. We do not plan to directly fence or gate this facility. The main reason for this is based on past experience of fencing and gating park amenities. Generally speaking, a fence will not deter users who are motivated and generally defiant. If there is someone motivated to use the park after hours they will figure out a way (i.e. damage, cut or jump the fence). Signage is the most appropriate method of control.

3. We have appropriately positioned the skateboard pad near the Community Centre building to utilize security lighting installed on the building. It is not intended to be directly lit at this would encourage after hours use. This also works well in case the Town wishes to install a camera to monitor the park. This is something that is done in many of our typical parks.

4. We believe that proper placement of the park is the best method of sound and safety control. For your reference I have attached a map illustrating the location of the skateboard park (noted as a red star). As you may notice, we believe this the best possible location on the site as it is centrally located and a good distance from private residences.

5. This facility is intended for skateboard use only. The design specification are directed towards use by skateboards. The facility will be signed appropriately to indicate it's intended use and any prohibited use (i.e BMX). The sign will also include hours of operation and contact information."

"monitoring will be the key to proper maintenance and in dealing with site specific issues."

For more information regarding the new skateboarding park please visit http://www.oakville.ca/ Comments or questions can be directed to floconte@oakville.ca at the Town's Parks and Open Space Department before March 20th, 2009.