Two designs for a redesigned Topaz Park by the City of Victoria on Tuesday and both include a skatepark.
The concept drawings include the skateboard/all-wheels park, pickleball courts, walking trails, picnic areas, fitness area, a fenced dog leash-optional area. The two grass fields and the artificial turf field are retained under the plans. A splash pad, picnic area, tennis courts and disc golf course are other options included in one of the designs.
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The Victoria Skateboard Association has been advocating for building a second skatepark in the city – the skatepark in Victoria West was upgraded this year – hoping for a location on the east side of Victoria.
Association spokesperson Jimmy Miller is glad the City is including skateboarding in its planning.
“It was one of the locations we lobbied for,” he said of Topaz Park. “I am excited to see how [skateboarding] can become further integrated into public parks and community spaces.”
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Victoria Coun. Jeremy Loveday, an occasional skateboard commuter who has advocated for the inclusion of public spaces for youth, including skateboard and all-wheel parks, said considering this area for a skatepark makes sense.
“There are a lot of people who live near Quadra Village that, right now, they congregate and skateboard right by the community centre [on Kings Road). For them to have a safe place to go … that isn’t the road right of way, would be safer and closer to home for them,” he said. “I think it’s a really positive thing.”
Concepts for the new park came as a result of public feedback and from the direction from the Parks and Open Spaces Master Plan. The City is still seeking feedback on the plan, which can be submitted through an online survey at victoria.ca/parks. A community open house is planned for Saturday, Jan. 20 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Quadra elementary gym, 3031 Quadra St.
