City designated as Youth Friendly
Community by Playworks Partnership

Brampton - Brampton's newest and coolest concrete skate park opened today. Located in Donald M. Gordon Chinguacousy Park, the new skate park was designed by riders, for riders, and includes several unique and innovative features for inline skaters, skateboarders and BMX riders. Local youth were consulted during the design process and many of their ideas were included in the final design. At 15,000 square feet, the park's street-style plaza design addresses the requests of skateboarders for an urban feel, while "bowl" features were incorporated for BMX riders.

"This skate park was the vision of our extremely talented youth. They presented great ideas as well as their designs to the City during the public consultation process. We are delighted to have turned it into a reality," said Mayor Susan Fennell.

"The City of Brampton is a great place to live for all age groups. From seniors to youth, we strive to have something for everyone. This new facility highlights our commitment to that goal," commented City Councillor Sandra Hames, Chair of Community Services.

Reflecting this partnership between the City and youth is Playworks Partnerships's Youth Friendly Community designation that Brampton has earned for the second consecutive year in 2008. This year, out of 11 communities that applied for the Youth Friendly designation, Brampton is one of five to receive this recognition.

The City of Brampton plans to hold a variety of competitions and demonstrations throughout the summer for avid skateboarders, including Open S.K.A.T.E. and Best Trick competitions. Please call or visit the website for all the dates and details.

On August 2 and 3, the new skate park will be hosting the Ontario regional qualifier of Canada's only nation-wide skateboard contest, the DC Nationals Skateboarding Championships. Amateur skateboarders from across Ontario will showcase their talent at the skate park in hopes of qualifying to compete at the national level. The national competition will be held on August 23 in Montreal.

Skateboarding and BMX lessons and day camps for youths aged seven to 17, as well as private lessons for all ages, will be available at the new skate park this spring and summer. For safety, an approved CSA helmet is to be worn at all times. For more information, call Roberta Canning at 905-458-6555 ext 124, email sk8@brampton.ca or visit www.brampton.ca/sk8