WOLFVILLE, N.S. — It will serve as a recreation hub for residents, Acadia University students and visitors to Wolfville alike.
As the Town of Wolfville was working to find a suitable space to move the skateboard park, discussions were held with Acadia University. Wolfville Parks and Recreation director Kelton Thomason said they’re trying to create a space that will allow for the relocation of the skateboard park along with additional recreation infrastructure.
There are plans to include a full-size basketball court that could double as an area for ground hockey, a seating area and green space with exercise equipment.
The additions will complement the existing, adjacent Tower Soccer Fields. These include a full-sized soccer field and two youth-sized fields that see regular use. Land between an existing service road and the soccer fields is being used for the development.
“I think anytime we can create facilities, whether they’re sports related or related to other aspects of recreation, we’re giving back to the community and providing them with a resource that they didn’t have previously,” Thomason said.
He said the project fits well under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that has been established among the Town of Wolfville, Acadia University and Acadia Students' Union (ASU). It presented an opportunity to work together in partnership and Thomason said each entity would play a key role in the project’s success.
Although the final plan and the name of the facility have yet to be determined, town council recently approved increased funding for the expanded initiative. They’re moving ahead with a call for construction tenders and Thomason said hopefully the new facility will be ready within 60 days, just in time for summer.
“It’s well on its way and we’re hoping the residents, the students and the guests of the town can take advantage of it,” he said. “It’s certainly intended to be a community park that services all sorts of different groups.”
Wolfville town council voted recently to expand the scope of the project, which initially included only the relocation of the skateboard park.
The total cost is estimated at $125,000, with $75,000 coming from the town’s capital reserve. This funding was approved as part of the town’s recent budget deliberations. The ASU is contributing $35,000 and the remaining $15,000 will come from the town’s capital reserve.
The town will assume responsibility for maintenance and liability at the site. Town staff currently maintains the soccer fields and expect additional maintenance requirements can be absorbed with existing resources.
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