A new 20-by-20-foot shade structure is coming to the Kiwanis Skate Park in Veterans’ Memorial Park.
City politicians approved the $15,500 project at this week’s council meeting. The cost will be entirely funded by the Kiwanis Club of Orillia and Orillia Skateparkers.
Discussions about a shade sail for the skatepark that was built in 1999 began in 2021, with a decision ultimately deferred to the 2023 budget process, where it was denied by council.
This week, Coun. David Campbell brought the idea back up for consideration.
“I want to start by recognizing former councillor Rob Kloostra, who initially brought this project to council,” Campbell said.
He said he was contacted by the Kiwanis club and the Orillia Skateparkers group with a proposition to fund the shade structure.
“What they agreed together is that they would cover the cost of the shade structure. They thought it was a good idea and they want to see it installed. I think this is a great example of the work that service clubs do for the city and to improve the lives of everyone,” Campbell said.
“Basically, the cost is going to be covered. We just have to say yes.”
The rest of council agreed to the plan.
“As a former skate parker myself, many, many years ago, who received sunburn from this skate park, I think it’s a fantastic idea,” said Coun. Jeff Czetwerzuk.
Coun. Ralph Cipolla questioned whether the shade structure would be best for the Kiwanis Skate Park, or whether it should be built in a skate park planned for the Orillia Recreation Centre.
“Do we need to spend this money now, or hang onto it until the new skate park is built and put in there?” he asked.
Campbell responded by saying the new skate park is “on the books” for 2026, but there is no funding source for its construction as of yet.
“I’m not sure that it will even happen at that point. It will depend on if we’re able to find some grants and whatnot. In the meantime, this is a project that these folks really believe in and they want to put the money behind it and make it happen,” he said.
“I think there’s also a possibility that, depending on how soon that new one would happen, that this may be reused and incorporated into that new project in some manner.”
