Whistler Creekside Skate Park To Close August 31 (07-Jul-08)

Whistler, BC, July 7, 2008 - “Temporary” Facility Stretched for Four Years; More Permanent Facility Being Sought

After four years of offering a make-shift underground skate park facility, in partnership between Whistler Blackcomb and the Whistler Skateboard Association, the decision has been made to close the facility on August 31. Though it has been a great boost for the skateboarding community in Whistler, misuse of the facility and nearby underground parking has proven too much and has highlighted the need for a more suitable location.

“It’s been a great four years and I’m really happy with what the park, with support from Whistler Blackcomb, has done for the skateboarding community,” says Lenny Rubenovitch, one of the founding members of the Whistler Skateboard Association (WSA). “It’s important for people to realize that this park was always planned as a temporary facility and that without Whistler Blackcomb’s help, it would never have had the run that it did. Operating the Creekside Skate Park definitely had hurdles and in the end, it unfortunately makes more sense to close this chapter so that we can focus on the next one; pursuing a more logical location.”

The Whistler Creekside Skate Park was created in 2004 with $10,000 raised by the WSA which was matched by a contribution from the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation, with the understanding that the skate park, would be a great, all-ages, family-friendly activity. However, with no supervision, a small portion of the parks visitors abused the privilege by repeatedly vandalizing, and using stolen property for features.

“It’s hard to see the park close, but communication about what the facility was, was definitely missing,” says Brian Hockenstein, one of the founding members of the WSA. “We had to deal with people who didn’t know better, coming in and spraying graffiti in areas that were not approved, without permission. When this sort of thing happens, maintenance costs go way up. It just became too expensive to carry on, free of charge, with no supervision.”

Sourcing an alternate skate park facility is currently being explored by the WSA, and Whistler Blackcomb will continue to work with and support in any way they can. It may be awhile until a logical permanent location can be found but, in the mean time the WSA will look at temporary solutions and other ways that can enrich skateboarding in the community. Rubenovitch is also keen to involve the Resort Municipality of Whistler in identifying a new area for a permanent indoor skate park facility.

For more information about the Whistler Skate Board Association check out whistlerskate.org.