Still in the design phase, a future downtown attraction that will feature a skate park and pump track and will be constructed beginning in spring 2024 adjacent to the multi-use courts near the Peter Reid Transit Terminal, will be known as Kiwanis All-Wheel Park.
North Bay City Council unanimously authorized the City of North Bay to enter into an agreement with the Kiwanis Club of Nipissing that covers its $100,000 contribution to the new All-Wheel Park and also includes the naming of the complex as recognition of the service club's role in moving the project forward. The vote came during council's the Monday, Oct. 30 special meeting. Coun. Chris Mayne declared a conflict due to his affiliation with Kiwanis.
See related: New downtown attraction to be named after major contributor
Coun. Justine Mallah, the chair of council's community services committee, praised the work of Kiwanis, an ardent community supporter of recreational projects through, among other projects, its continued involvement with Lee Park and the redevelopment of the playground into the Kiwanis Playworld. The organization is also well-known for its involvement in the local music scene through music youth festivals and its support of the summer concert series held at the Kiwanis Bandshell.
"We can accomplish greatness when we work together," Mallah said. "The All-Wheel Park is a really perfect example of this. Kiwanis is a long-time supporter of community recreational projects and I know we're all grateful for their contribution to the All-Wheel Park, which will be an asset to our community. I think it will increase engagement downtown — and give youth and, really, all folks of all ages — another opportunity to get outside, connect with others, and be active."
The pump track name comes from the pumping motion made with the upper and lower body as users ride around the track. The track is designed so the pumping motion maintains speed around the track without pedalling. Users can ride not only with bicycles but also with skateboards, longboards, skates, and scooters.
See related: All-Wheel Park project about to get rolling
In addition to the funding commitment to this project from Kiwanis, the organization also provided a letter of support for the City’s application to the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation's (NOHFC) Community Enhancement Program. The City has been approved for grant funding for $801,198 from NOHFC for the $1.6-million project, according to the associated report from Ian Kilgour, the director of community services.
Coun. Lana Mitchell, the chair of council's infrastructure and operations committee, also thanked the Kiwanis Club of Nipissing for its support "and continuous, ongoing, and amazing contributions to the community ... If you walk around downtown now, and in that whole area, it's amazing what's been accomplished down there. It's nice to hear the exciting comments and how impressed people are."
The design phase of this project will span the next several months, with construction scheduled to commence in the spring. The All-Wheel Park is also guided by consultations held during the creation of the Downtown Waterfront Master Plan and the City’s Parks Master Plan. The next design session is set for Nov. 16 with details to follow.
See also: All-Wheel Park to be shaped by community input
And: First online survey regarding design of All-Wheel Park closing
On the input sessions, Mitchell noted, "Not only are we doing community projects, we are involving the community, we are engaging the community, and I think it's inclusive and really great."
