Media Release - Community Celebration Held for Opening of Lincoln’s Skatepark and Pumptrack
Phase one of the new Rotary Park development opens for community use
Lincoln, ON - (Oct. 5, 2020) – On Oct. 3, taking all precautions to physically distance and observe public health guidelines, Mayor Easton, Members of Council, community stakeholders and residents officially celebrated the opening of Lincoln’s skatepark and pumptrack. Saturday's official opening event included speeches from dignitaries and stakeholders, a ribbon cutting, dedication plaque unveiling and demonstrations from local riders.
“Council continues to ensure that planning for parks and their amenities includes the opinions and desires of families and most recently individual children who look to their neighbourhood parks as important havens to meet their friends” says Mayor Sandra Easton. “The community should take considerable satisfaction in the value that these facilities provide to improving the physical and social development of children, youth, and youthful adults who will be the future leaders of Lincoln”.
A key focus behind the construction of the skatepark has been promoting mental wellbeing though physical activity and offering youth in the community a safe and healthy place to enjoy together. A number of skateboarders, BMX bikers and users on scooters took turns trying out the new amenities during Saturday morning’s celebration.
“To those in our community who voiced what they wanted to see at Rotary Park, and to our partners who made this project a success, we thank you for your engagement” said Michael Kirkopoulos, the Town’s Chief Administrative Officer. “The skatepark and pumptrack will be the perfect place for families to take a break and enjoy all that Rotary Park and the Fleming Centre have to offer. This community space is great place for kids and the young at heart to get outside and remain fit and active.”
Local community skatepark advocate Trevor Donegan says as a youth who grew up in Beamsville, he had dreamed of a local skatepark in Lincoln since a young age. “There are no words to describe the excitement I have about the skatepark being completed and open for use by the community”, says Donegan. Now 21 years old, Donegan says that the skatepark becoming a reality is nothing short of a dream come true.
Joining in the celebration was 10-year-old Fay Ebert of Toronto who is recognized as Canada’s current top-ranked female open park skateboarder and of one of Canada’s top competitive female street skateboarders. Fay is actively pursuing her dream of qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics in 2022 and if she does, will be the one of the youngest Olympians in history of the Games to compete. The 2022 Olympics will also be the first time that skateboarding is featured as an Olympic sport. Fay inspired all who attended by participating in a question and answer session about her passion for skateboarding as well as skating the park and wowing the crowd with her skills.
Lincoln’s new asphalt pumptrack is the first to be located in a municipal park in the Niagara region. Pumptrack community advocate Adrian Pennachetti says he is very proud to see this project completed. “Since meeting with Major Easton in 2016, I’ve been filled with a new sense of civic pride by seeing what is possible with a good idea and some persistence” says Pennachetti.
The completion of the skatepark and pumptrack is the first phase of the newly developed Rotary Park project which is located north of the Fleming Memorial Centre in Beamsville. Completion of the entire 3.66 acre park is anticipated in 2021. The installation of the skatepark and pumptrack was completed by New Line Skateparks and Transitions Bike Parks. Following the park’s first freeze-thaw cycle, New Line Skateparks will be returning to Lincoln to complete additional finishing requirements in early spring 2021.
The Town of Lincoln encourages residents to use outdoor public spaces such as the skatepark and pumptrack responsibly in order keep the entire community safe and reduce the spread of COVID-19. Please remain vigilant and ensure you play safe by adhering to the following public health guidelines:
Sanitize your hands before & after park use;
Avoid large gatherings and maintain a physical distance of 6 feet from others;
Wear a face covering if you cannot maintain a safe physical distance from others; and
Stay home if you are sick. Get tested & self-isolate if you think you might have COVID-19.
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For more information, please contact:
Sarah Ane, Associate Director, Recreation and Culture
Town of Lincoln
Direct: 905-563-2799 ext. 464
Cell: 905-401-4005
sane@lincoln.ca
Mayor Easton, Town Councillors and Adrian Pennachetti cutting the official grand opening ribbon.
Trevor Donegan, Sue Foster (from the Lincoln Rotary Club), Adrian Pennachetti and Mayor Easton reveal the official plaque.
Trevor Donegan and Olympic hopeful Fay Ebert.