The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
After only two residents attended the recent Flin Flon Skate Park meeting, it was decided that without more support, the committee will disband and there will be no skate park. The recent community voting campaign through Aviva showed roughly 400 people supported the project. But when the meeting was held only two residents, and two advisors, were on hand. It was said by Mayor George Fontaine that if further support is not shown, the project will be put to an end. "No community involvement means no park," said newly elected mayor. The intention for last Tuesday's meeting was to begin applying for grants and discuss fundraising efforts for the project. With only four people at the table, it was said that grants could not be applied for. "We need roughly eight to 12 people," said Mayor Fontaine. "If they aren't showing any interest, it's going to die." Alex McGilvrey, a committee member, agrees that without the help of the community, the project won't happen. City of Flin Flon Recreation Manager Mike Dubreuil says while members of the community may not enjoy the park themselves, it will be used. "The city desperately needs (this). It will be beneficial for years. Maybe it's not (their) kids who use it, but what about (their) grandkids," said Dubreuil. "If this matters, they have to show up," said McGilvrey. "And if it doesn't matter, they have to know it's finished," Mayor Fontaine added. Dubreuil says the committee is looking for any and all help. "It doesn't matter who it is. We just need help," he said. "We need the adult support for planning and credibility." While adult support is important, the committee agreed that the help of the youth Ð those who are using the park Ð would be greatly appreciated. "We can't do this alone. We all have jobs as well. We need more than four people," said Mayor Fontaine. In an effort to give the skate park one last push, the committee will be holding a meeting the evening of November 25 at Northminster Memorial United Church on Bracken St. The Flin Flon Skate Park project has had some money earmarked by the Rotary Club of Flin Flon. Mayor Fontaine says if the support for the project isn't being shown, "we will have to withdraw the request for support," he said. "We hope (we don't have to)." "No committee means no park," said McGilvrey. "We can't do this without bodies." The committee made mention that the money could be raised for the proposed $300,000 park, but reiterated that help is need to share the workload. "It takes four people 10 times as long as it takes 40 people," said McGilvrey. For those looking to keep the project going, contact Alex McGilvrey at 687-6286 or Mike Dubreuil at 681-7502. "The community is either in or out," said Mayor Fontaine. "The time won't be granted if there is no community support." The Flin Flon Skate Park would be open to those on skateboards, bikes, rollerblades and scooters.
