The Boundary County Skatepark Alliance is continuing its push to bring a permanent concrete skatepark to the community. 

The effort began three years ago when then Parks and Recreation Administrator Nancy Schaffer organized the first community meeting to explore the idea. While Schaffer has since moved on from her role, she remains involved with the project and continues to manage the BCSA website. 

The dream of a skatepark remains strong, and this Saturday, June 21, the group — a committee under the Parks and Recreation Department — plans to celebrate National Go Skateboarding Day at the local skatepark. The event is open to the public and aims to raise awareness and energy for the ongoing project. The event will take place from 1-4 p.m. There will be free hot dogs and water, live music, and skate contests with prizes. In the event of rain, the event will be moved to June 28, and the times and location will remain the same.  

Since its inception, BCSA has raised more than $15,000 through grassroots efforts and community contributions. Now entering its fourth year, the organization is preparing to move from planning into development. 

This year, BCSA has a target estimate for construction of $465,000, a number significantly lower than the $750,000 projected when the initiative began. The current design includes a pump track and flow bowl, with accommodations for skateboards, scooters, BMX bikes, inline skates, and even sport wheelchairs. Accessibility features, such as colored transitions for the visually impaired and designated areas for all skill levels, are also part of the plan. 

Additional design elements include local artwork, a high-speed internet hub, 24-hour security cameras, and future amenities still in development. Safety remains a top priority, particularly given the recent addition of new concrete sidewalks along Main Street that have created what some residents describe as an "attractive hazard" for young riders. 

This summer, BCSA plans to approach the Boundary County Board to discuss help in financing the $3,000 survey needed for the architects to begin construction drawings. The groups 2025 priority is filling the funding gaps and organizers said that if last year was any indication, they should do that easily.   

Once survey funding is secured, the group plans to focus on recruiting volunteers and seeking corporate sponsors and grant opportunities. 

“The Experts say it takes two to five years to build a park,” said Jeffrey Phillips, BCSA volunteer and committee member. “This is our third year and we’re still on track to make it happen, but we could use some help. Come find out what we have in mind Saturday, June 21st or the 28th if rain forces a delay, or at one of our biweekly meetings, held every other Thursday, the next one being June 26 at 7 p.m., at the old skatepark. 

“We’ve gotten a lot done since the first event on June 21, 2022,” Phillips said. “Now it’s time to fire this community back up.  Let’s do this, let's build a skatepark.” 

For more information, including design plans and event photos, visit https://boundarycountyskateparkalliance.org.