Kimberley's skaters, bikers and scooter riders can expect some big improvements to the skate and bike park, thanks to a generous private donation of $100,000 from locals Rick and Daphne Hammond.
Since receiving this donation, the City has been working with Kimberley Bike and Skate Park volunteer Athena Knibbs and Kimberley Trails Society (KTS) general manager Ryan McKenzie to determine how best to use the money.
"Not only will the improvements contribute to a better user experience, but they'll also enhance user safety," said Krista Waite, CFO.
Several improvements have been suggested including improvements to the dirt jumps, a buildup to the staging area, fencing, signage, landscaping and the installation of benches, picnic tables and a gazebo.
KTS proposed spending 90 per cent of the funds in 2025 and the remaining 10 per cent in the spring of 2026.
Staff requested Council's approval to amend the Five Year Financial Plan to account for this unforeseen donation.
"It's just really cool to see folks out there providing significant funding to help some of the amenities around town," said Councillor Jason McBain. "It's just really cool when you see something like that. You tend to see that a lot in big cities, so it's neat that it's trickled down to our town as well and I think that project has been a success and this will only enhance what they've got going on there."
When asked for some backstory about the donation by Councillor Woody Maguire, CAO Jim Hendricks said, "These are just some genuinely generous folks."
"They've got a place in town here and I believe that they've contributed some funds to a few other projects in town as well, maybe not on the same level," Hendricks said. "The work that was being done at the skateboard park, I think, is close to their hearts and they wanted to see the project come full circle and it's a testament to the work that KTS has done as well that these folks felt compelled to provide some funds.
"Incredible story. They're great folks, we really appreciate it."
Mayor Don McCormick added that the work that this donation will create will "put a huge exclamation mark on that entire project."
"It's a bit of a game changer for kids in town," McCormick said. "The frequency of its use is really a testament to that. Just a huge, huge thank you to Rick and Daphne for their generous donation.
