Mayor Peter Chirico welcomed Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli and Kiwanis President Justin Wigelius as the City of North Bay officially launched the construction of the Kiwanis All-Wheel Park (see video above).
The dignitaries were joined by several city councillors, municipal staff, Kiwanis members, and stakeholders who gathered to witness the official sod-turning ceremony for a project that has seen various forms and has been decades in the making.
"This new facility will provide a safe and enjoyable space for skateboarders, BMX riders, mountain bikers, and scooter enthusiasts while enhancing the vibrancy of our Downtown Waterfront,” said Mayor Peter Chirico. “With amenities like the Multi-Use Courts, Rotary Splash Pad, North Bay Museum, and Dionne Quints Museum nearby, the All-Wheel Park will be a significant addition to what has become a key recreational hub.”
Scheduled for completion in late fall, the Kiwanis All-Wheel Park project is being supported by an $801,198 contribution from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) and $100,000 from the Kiwanis Club of Nipissing.
“Our government is proud to support the establishment of North Bay’s Kiwanis All-Wheel Park through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund,” said MPP Vic Fedeli. “This investment will support the enhancement of the city’s recreational infrastructure and allow for more residents and tourists to enjoy the free skatepark and pump track in the downtown waterfront area.”
See related: Have a look at Kiwanis All-Wheel Park preferred designs
Led by New Line Skateparks Inc., the facility design was informed by workshops and online surveys which garnered more than 300 responses. It will feature a plaza-style concrete skatepark, a pump track, a social/event plaza, and container washrooms. The entire park will be accessible and include seating areas, lighting, and landscaping.
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 also: Help design highly-anticipated Kiwanis All-Wheel Park
“The Kiwanis Club is proud to support the development of the All-Wheel Park,” said Kiwanis President Justin Wigelius. “This facility will be a fantastic addition to our community, promoting active lifestyles and providing a great venue for families and youth.”
And: Kiwanis All-Wheel Park: official name of new downtown attraction
The All-Wheel Park will be located next to the Multi-Use Courts near the City of North Bay's Peter Reid Transit Terminal, making transportation for user groups simpler. Mayor Chirico says the park will be protected by the same security/outreach groups that already patrol the nearby courts, splash pad, and the downtown core.
