Skateignatius grand opening offers a new activity for the kids

By Alyssa Kelly

Safety first as beginners are encouraged to wear helmets and knee and elbow pads. (Alyssa Kelly photo)

The Skateignatius Skate Park held its grand-opening celebration on September 15 after completing the first of two phases in the overall 17,000 sq. foot skate course. Children throughout the community gathered in curiosity and the event was a hit. Free concessions as well as the opportunity to get free merchandise from several skate shops including Zumies, Premiere Skate Shop, Spirit Skate Shop, and Edge of the World Skate Shop made the opening even more intriguing.

Skateignatius serves the need for positive recreational activities for the youth. The idea for the project began in 2004, when in a short time span, three youth died due to alcohol related circumstances. In May of 2005, a valley-wide meeting was held to discuss the issues in regards to reservation life. The main issues discussed came down to the solution of prevention through the youth.

Local resident Kristie Nerby began to work towards the goal of the skate park as an alternate recreational activity for the youth. Nerby brought together local members of the community and they created The Recreation Coalition. After several meetings and the leadership of Nerby, the St. Ignatius Town Council donated land for the project. They later discussed the layout plans with the Missoula Skate Park Association and went to work on gaining donations. Three years since the unfortunate circumstances of alcohol related fatalities that served as inspiration for the project, the Skateignatius skate park has turned the situation into a positive one by completing the first half of their goal.

The goal for the final plan in the Skateignatius skate park will take an estimated $418,800 to complete. The project has received great support so far from the community as well as businesses. Among the many business donations include the Tony Hawk Foundation, Salish and Kootenai Housing Authority, Ronan Telephone Company, and Rod’s Harvest Foods.

For more information you can visit: www.skateignatius.com.

These kids came out in force for the grand opening of the SkateIgnatius Skate Park and displayed their sweet boards. (Alyssa Kelly photo)