North Shore skateboarders are getting their first glimpse of what could be the new and improved Ambleside Skatepark.
New Line Skateparks, a Canadian design and construction company, has completed 3-D renderings of a street plaza-style skatepark intended to replace the existing 20-year-old park in West Vancouver.
"They did a very good job and I think the design really reflects what was said and shared at the open house last spring," says Eric Savics, who has spearheaded the Ambleside Skatepark Project.
"The features pay homage to what was there before, although the design has been upgraded and pushed into the future, so to speak, so it's been brought up to what skatepark design is at present day."
Inspired by the popular Stoner Skate Plaza in Los Angeles, the proposed design replaces the aging asphalt surface with concrete, a durable material more conducive to boarding.
"The surface is much smoother so it's much easier to get speed and hold speed," Savics says.
The centrepiece of the seaside space is a versatile "eight-in-one" structure that can be skated many different ways. The terrain would also include stairs, rails and some "transition" elements such as quarterpipe and half-pipe features. "We have now several features that cater to young boys and girls who are just starting out and then we have features that will really work well for people that have been skating for over a decade like myself," Savics says. "There's room for everyone there."
The skateboarding community still needs to raise about $50,000 to make the new park a reality. To date, the project has raised just shy of $200,000, and organizers have asked the District of West Vancouver for $100,000.
Savics says the bestcase scenario would see construction start in late spring 2015. But that could be delayed if funding isn't in place. To donate or to learn more, visit amblesideskatepark.com.
Residents can also support the project by shopping at Zumiez in Park Royal or The Boardroom in North Vancouver where profits from the sale of special Ambleside skateboards, T-shirts and hoodies will go directly to the renovation.
