Leduc to construct new skateboard park next year

LEDUC -- The City of Leduc will be getting a brand-new skateboard park in 2027.

The decision was rendered at Leduc's City Council meeting on March. 2, 2026, after a presentation from administration detailed the deteriorating conditions of the current amenity. Their report, which contained data gathered from external consultation, determined that the skateboard park is now approaching the end of its usable lifecycle after being constructed nearly twenty years ago.

It's noted that enjoyment of the park's available surface appears to have become increasingly isolated to select features, and that consultation with community users suggests increasing visitor concern regarding the park's overall functionality, safety and general appeal. Of particular concern, the bowl structure has shown the highest rate of deterioration with several cracked and separated coping seams and failing concrete. It is also the feature of most concern to user groups, with various pieces of its infrastructure now in critical need of repair.

Administration brought forward three options for Council -- one of which was to close the skateboard park for up to six weeks in the summer to complete up to $200,000 of repairs. The second option was to keep the current park open, close the bowl feature, and begin preparations for a new park next year. The third option was to close the park completely until the construction of a new park in 2027.

Council determined that the second option, closing the bowl and proceeding with public engagement and designs, was the best route forward. City Councillor Laura Tillack spoke in favour of this option, saying it will allow the amenity to remain open for the public until a new park can be constructed sometime next year.

"To a teenager, where else are they supposed to go?" said Tillack. "They're going to go downtown, they're going to somewhere, because they need to do something. So, if you don't want them to go to those places, then allow them to go to this space -- even if it's half of it."

Councillor Brett Baynes also supported the move, saying the bowl structure at the skateboard park has been identified in the past as an area where youth have engaged in "inappropriate behaviour." Meantime, Director of Engineering Kyle Van Steenoven talked about what the options would be for closing the bowl to users of the park.

"We have had some internal discussions over the best way to close the bowl because there is some concern," said Van Steenoven. "We could just fence it, then it could create a scenario where someone could go through the fence and we'd have to monitor it. The other option is that we could fill it in, or at least a portion of it."

For the new skateboard park, public engagement from last year identified that a street-style design was preferred over a bowl design to allow for continuous flow and higher speed movement. Attendees also emphasized the importance of safety and inclusivity, and that future amenity suggestions included increased safety measures (visibility and patrols), shade, seating areas, a water fountain, restroom facilities, a pump track, and dedicated space for beginner users.

The full replacement cost is estimated between $1 and $2 million, and will be discussed during the City of Leduc's budget deliberations this fall.