The push to get a new skatepark built in Revelstoke has reached a critical phase, with the Columbia Valley Skateboard Association seeking donations from the public and funding from the city to make it happen in 2017.
The CVSA launched a campaign this week looking for 100 people to donate $1,000 each in order to build the skateboard park Kovach Park in 2017.
They also sent a letter to city council asking for the city to budget $225,000 for the skateboard park next year.
The CVSA is a critical stage for its funding. In a letter to council signed by CVSA president Karl Jost, the cost of the park is pegged at $1,048,515. So far the club has raised $497,520, meaning it is $550,995 short of its goal.
The CVSA was unsuccessful in obtaining a Canada 150 recreation infrastructure grant — the second federal grant application that was turned down in two years.
On top of that, a $150,000 grant from the Columbia Basin Trust expires at the end of 2017 if its not used.
"The Columbia Valley Skateboarding Association feels that a contribution of $225,000 from the City of Revelstoke, which amounts to less than one quarter of the total project cost, is a fair and reasonable contribution for the municipality to make to a facility that will ultimately be handed over to the city," wrote Jost. "With $225,000 in funding in the City of Revelstoke 2017 budget, we believe will be in a position to trigger construction by May, and complete construction by the end of the summer in 2017."
The request marks a change in position for the CVSA, who initially hope to fund the skateboard park without any city taxpayer money.
The request goes in front of council this Tuesday, Dec. 6.
The CVSA also launched a public appeal for donations to raise another $125,000. They are asking individuals, businesses and other organizations to donate $1,000 or more to the project. In exchange, the donors will get their names cast in a bronze plaque that will be placed at the skatepark. Donations can be in the form of cash, time, or equipment, and can be made at city hall.
"Although we've raised many tens of thousands over the years, we've been waiting until we were near our goal to launch our big public-facing fundraiser. We're there now," said Jost in a news release. "With a little help from the community, we'll build it in 2017."
The CVSA says it is also looking for additional funding sources to raise the final $200,000 needed.
It has contracted with New Line Skateparks to design and build the park. While the design is in place, funding is still needed for construction.