MANITOUWADGE – To complete the skatepark, which began construction in 2019, Manitouwadge Skatepark Committee asked council for $10,000 from the Community Wellness Fund to subsidize the cost of completing the landscaping for the Skatepark.
In 2019, construction of the Manitouwadge Skate Park began and most of the build was completed on the site. However, the installation of the park included a small amount of topsoil and sod, but not enough to finish the area the project commissioned.
In addition to the cost of landscaping, the Skatepark Committee wants to install a permanent gazebo, assessable picnic tables, and ornamental trees.
In addition, Our Lady of Lourdes School proposed that they will donate playground equipment to the skatepark.
The approximate cost to complete the Manitouwadge Skateboard Park is $17,950.00 in total.
Manitouwadge Skatepark Committee has confirmed they can contribute $1,000.00 from a grant awarded to them by Nawiinginokiima Forest Management Corporation as well as $500.00 from anonymous donations for a total of $1,500.00 towards the landscaping completion of the project.
Additionally, the Manitouwadge Skatepark Committee will sponsor the purchase of ornamental trees which is set at $850.
With the approval of $10,000 from the town council, the Manitouwadge Skatepark committee will need to raise an additional 5,600 to complete.
When Councillor Jim Moffat asked, “is there going to be some sponsorship search?”
Katie Law, director of community and economic development responded that they will “direct staff will reach out to local businesses, industries, and residents to see if they want to purchase any of the product or give us any funds to complete the project.
So far to date, funds to complete the $260,000 Skatepark were provided by the following organizations:
- Mayor and Council (past and present)
- Township of Manitouwadge
- NFMC
- NWMO
- Barrick - Hemlo
- Manroc Developments
- Caramat Community Club
- Marlene Turner and Family
- Anonymous donors
- Donations made in honour of Andre Robichaud, Andy Lebel and Rob Vaillancourt
- Thunder Bay Skatepark Coalition
- Former Skatepark Committee
- Manitouwadge Skatepark Committee