The District of 100 Mile House has dismantled the 100 Mile House Skatepark in preparation for the replacement of the Horse Lake Bridge.
The work was conducted on the morning of Friday, Dec. 13 by district staff who carted away the grind rail, the ramps and the two small jumps. Todd Conway, the director of community service for the district, said this removal is temporary and is being done to allow the construction of a temporary bridge during the replacement of Horse Lake Bridge.
"There will be a temporary bridge put in prior to construction of the permanent bridge. The skateboard park will be used as a ramp onto the temporary bridge," Conway explained. "Right now we'll be just doing the skateboard park and removing some hydro poles and then the rest will be in the scope of the work of the contract, once awarded."
The replacement of the Horse Lake Bridge has been a priority for the district for the last several years. First built in 1977, the bridge came to the end of its expected lifespan in 2017. The total cost for the replacement bridge, which will be made out of concrete rather than wood like the current bridge, is estimated to be around $4.7 million.
With the necessary permits now in hand council plans to have the project completed by the end of 2025. Conway said they anticipate putting out the tender for the project in January 2025 to secure a contractor who can begin work in the spring.
"We are hoping all work related to that project will be done in 2025," Conway said.
At a council meeting on Nov. 12, Conway noted that during the construction the district will need an archaeologist on site and 25 per cent of the digging will need to be done by hand.
When asked if the district will be finding a new home for the skatepark equipment, Conway said there are no plans at this time. He noted there is some talk of potentially setting it up again in a new temporary location but said nothing has been decided.
"At this point, because the construction of the bridge will probably be the full 2025 summer season, we'll leave it out of that spot now. I don't know of any temporary spot, at this point and time, to leave it," Conway remarked.
Conway said the larger project to replace the 100 Mile Skatepark with a new larger skatepark is still in the planning stages. He noted the district has had conversations with the 100 Mile Youth Initiative several times about the proposed relocation and upgrade.
Anyone with concerns about the skatepark's removal or questions about the bridge replacement is invited to contact the District of 100 Mile House through their website or by coming to the district office located at 385 Birch Avenue.
