RR Sk8 Park gets $10,000 grant from HydroOne: Phase one could be installed this summer

By Ken Johnston
Editor

The kids of Rainy River are $10,000 closer to having a skate park.
Last week it was officially announced by HydroOne that they would be donating through their PowerPlay program, $10,000 towards the construction of the “Rainy River Sk8 Park.”
About a year ago, Ashley Stamler of Rainy River decided to spearhead efforts to build the kids a top notch skate park.
Concerned about the lack of activities for older kids and having her own kids, she began seriously looking at the concept of the Sk8 Park. “We lost our theatre, used to have roller skating and many sports activities are put on only for the younger kids. This idea will allow those kids to skate board, roller blade and BMX bike in the park.”
Stamler was blown away when she heard they had received the money from HydroOne. “This is a big step in the right direction,” she said last Wednesday. It is about a fifth of the money she feels is needed to build a phenomenal park.
Last year she visited suppliers and costed out a pyramid, two quarter-pipes, rails, stairs and platforms. The estimates were between $50-70,000. While she was extremely optimistic that they could raise the total amount and have the park in place by last summer, the reality was that it was going to take more time and effort.
To date the project has raised about $2,000 on their own and with the $10,000 from HydroOne, they are confident the project will roll ahead with more momentum.
Stamler is now looking at doing the project in phases. “I plan to talk to Barkman (a supplier) and see what it would cost to do the first phase this summer.” said Stamler. Her and her son Kayle also plan to participate in the annual Polar Plunge in Fort Frances on New Year’s day. Last year they raised about $400 for the Sk8 Park at that event. “We only had two weeks notice then. We are now out collecting sponsors and hope to raise much more this year.”
When she started this project Stamler was the only adult involved with about a dozen kids who all offered input as to what they would like to see in a Sk8 Park. Since then she says there are several adults on board including Rec. Director Meghan Shanks who was instrumental in getting the grant from HydroOne. “We are hoping to access other grants and are working on that now,” said Stamler.
The Legion recently helped by paying to have a multi-purpose skate pad paved just west of the Rainy River Recreation Centre. So if all goes well they may have some of the Sk8 Park equipment in place this summer.
Anyone wanting to help out with the project can call Ashley at 852-1147. All donations are tax deductible through the Town of Rainy River.
Stamler is also collecting beer bottles to take back and donate the funds to the Sk8 Park.
People can also drop off bottles on their own at the Rec. Centre and say they would like the money to be donated to either the Rec. Ctr., the Sk8 Park or both.
Other people that have been helping her raise money include Richard Trenchard, Gabe Langlais and Vaughn and Melanie Murray. “I am grateful to everyone that has helped and hope more will come on board. Anyone that wants to jump with me at the Polar Plunge is also welcome.”