Volunteers have been working hard to get a safe space for youth in Barriere

Photo: The Barriere Skatepark Society

Local volunteers focus efforts on creating a safe space for youth in Barriere

A group of volunteers have been working hard to raise money for a skatepark in Barriere.

"Our youth doesn't really have outdoor activities around here.  We don't have a pool or an arena.  We have parks for seniors and splash pad for young kids, but nothing for youth," says Dustin Doherty, president of the Barriere Skatepark Society. "We're essentially trying to curb boredom for young people.  We want them going down the right path and this skate park will be somewhere safe and visible."

"I have a 9 year old daughter who rollerblades and skateboards," he continues. "I want her and all other young people in this community to have accessible, low-cost activity options."

The Barriere Skatepark Society is a registered non-for-profit that was formed in 2016 by locals who wanted to create a fun and healthy space for youth to gather.

They brought the project idea and plans to the District of Barriere and the city was happy to hop on board.  It donated a chunk of land and some basic construction material left over from other projects.

For the past two years, The Barriere Skatepark Society has been raising money through dances, movie nights, and even car shows.  So far, they have raised more than $104,000. 

The group still needs $69,000 to break ground by spring 2021 which is no easy feat. Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, they had to cancel all up-coming events - but Doherty isn't discouraged.

"We can do it, we just have to spread the word," he explains.  "It's important to us to give Barriere youth accessible activity options that are low cost.  The skate park made perfect sense.  A wide range of activities can be done on it, from bicycles, to rollerblades, to skateboards, and even scooters. There's no age limit."

The Barriere Skatepark Society welcomes donations of any kind.  Donors giving over $1,000 will be commemorated with a bronze plaque at the skatepark.  Donate here.

"We're looking for a title sponsor so if there's a company or business that wants to come on board, they will have the skate park named after their business," Doherty emphasizes.

If anyone has further questions, contact Dustin at [email protected].