The Vernon Curling Club is the site of a new indoor skatepark until Aug. 19. (Vernon Matters photo)

By Pete McIntyre

'fills a need'

Vernon opens indoor skateboard park for summer

Jun 29, 2022 | 5:00 PM

Vernon now has a dedicated facility for people to learn how to skateboard, although it’s only temporary.

The Vernon Curling Club opened today as an indoor skatepark. It will be available for public use Monday to Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. (excluding holidays), until August 19.

For those who are just learning how to skateboard, a beginner hour is reserved from 5 – 6 p.m., followed by an open skate session from 6 – 8 p.m.

“This new skatepark fills a need in the community for a dedicated space to learn the sport,” said Clint Hardie from Okanagan Skate Co. “Vernon Indoor Skatepark is a great place to go to learn the basics. The features are designed to be entry level and you are not competing for space with other sport users.”

Indoor skatepark creators (L-R): Jory Stang, Clint Hardie, Nathan Fisher, Joshuah Langner and Silas Langner. (Photo credit: City of Vernon)

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Hardie helped lead a crowd funding initiative with Nathan Fisher of Pop Mode Board Supply to purchase materials needed to build a variety of features for the park. A crew of carpenters – including Seamus Townsend, Jory Stang, and Joshuah Langner – then volunteered their time to build ramps and boxes.

“We are excited to see this project, driven by the community, become a hub for the sport. A place to learn, connect with other skaters, and have fun. Through recreation, we improve quality of life,” said Tima Coad, Recreation Programmer.

Seamus Townsend builds a ramp for the temporary indoor skatepark at the Vernon Curling Club. (Photo credit: City of Vernon)

Those who would like to use the skatepark are asked to stop by the Recreation Centre front desk to sign a waiver. Anyone under the age of 18 will need a parent or guardian to sign for them. The skater will then receive a Skateboard Access Pass free of charge that they will show to the Park Supervisor each time they attend.

It’s important to note that the indoor park is for skateboards only. No scooters, roller blades or other equipment is permitted. Helmets are mandatory for all skaters and pads are recommended.

To view program sessions, visit www.gvrec.ca and select Programs and Activities, then click Sports Drop-In. No pre-registration is needed.