Will Mayor and MPP 'shred' at all-wheel park opening?

As a way of spicing up various ribbon cuttings and funding announcements, Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli and North Bay Mayor Peter Chirico are known for immersing themselves in the day's activity by taking the opportunity for some hands-on experience on various pieces of machinery, in assorted motor vehicles, through fire training, and playground testing (see photos above).

With the official opening of the Kiwanis All-Wheel Park approaching on Friday, Oct. 11 at 4 p.m., one wonders whether the politicians have plans to drop into the highly-anticipated new attraction on a skateboard or furiously pump their way around the track. Only time will tell.

Fedeli and Chirico will be joined for the grand opening of the City of North Bay's newest amenity by members of the Kiwanis Club of Nipissing and other community partners at North Bay’s Downtown Waterfront.

The Kiwanis All-Wheel Park features a plaza-style concrete skatepark, pump track, social and event plaza, and container washrooms. The entire park is accessible and includes seating areas, lighting, and landscaping. It is situated behind the Peter Reid Transit Terminal on Oak Street East and was developed through community consultations and guided by both the Downtown Waterfront Master Plan and the City’s Parks Master Plan.

Led by New Line Skateparks, workshops and online surveys formed the facility design, which garnered more than 300 responses. 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.

The project received an $801,198 contribution from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) and $100,000 from the Kiwanis Club of Nipissing. In late May, Mayor Chirico welcomed MPP Fedeli and Kiwanis President Justin Wigelius as the City of North Bay officially launched the construction of the downtown waterfront attraction.

See related: VIDEO: Wheels already turning for Kiwanis All-Wheel Park construction

Its location next to the transit terminal makes transportation for user groups more accessible. Mayor Chirico said the park will be protected by the same security/outreach group that already patrols the nearby courts, splash pad, and the downtown core.

See below drone footage from August courtesy of the City of North Bay showing the project's progress to that point.