The park, to be located south of Bracebridge Memorial Arena, was approved by town council last fall. It will replace the town’s former skateboard park, which was displaced with the construction of the new Nipissing University and Georgian College campuses at Jubilee Park.

The new 10,000-square-foot facility is currently in the design stage. In order to solicit public feedback on the project, the town, along with project consultant LANDinc Landscape Architects, recently hosted a workshop to allow skateboarders and BMX enthusiasts a chance to submit ideas on the park’s design.

Almost two dozen local residents turned out to make suggestions.

“I think it’s a really good idea,” said 14-year-old David Scriven. Scriven said he and his peers can’t wait for the new park to be completed.

“The one we had before was pretty old and crappy,” he said.

LANDinc project consultant Bill Gurney said Scriven’s and others’ ideas for the park will be considered before a second public meeting, likely in May.

Gurney, who helped design the Huntsville’s new skateboard park, said the ideas are helpful for gauging what the public wants to see at the facility.

“I get a feel for whether the ideas are representative of street skating or BMX (riding) or both,” Gurney said.

The park is hoped to be completed by early 2009 at the latest, he said.

The total cost of the project, including design work, is approximately $300,000, indicated Leo Broere, town director of culture and recreation.