Souris skateboarders campaign for park

A group of Souris teenagers is fundraising to bring a skateboard park to town.

The group of 11 teens, which calls itself Wheels, has asked town council for help because they think a skate park would be a safer option than riding in the streets .

Jason MacAulay, 17, one of the teens spearheading the initiative, fell off his board a few weeks ago and broke his arm.

He said people often get hurt and injuries could be avoided if they have the right equipment.

"If I could have a skate park where I could practise, I could progress with the skate park, rather than in the streets," said MacAulay. "A lot of times we're on sidewalks and down stairsets, ledges down around the wharf, which isn't too safe. But we try to go anywhere we can."

The group has proposed to town council that the local tennis courts be changed to a temporary skate park.

Town supports idea

"I was asking them if we could have a skate park, so anywhere from the tennis courts to the rink. Somewhere with smooth ground that we could use and put a portable skate park to start and then maybe progress into something bigger."

The town can't fund the whole project, but if the youth can find the money, he will support it, said Mayor David MacDonald.

"The more we can get the children out the door and doing things, the better for all concerned. Because we have too many couch potatoes in our society, and very young couch potatoes, I might add. And if we can give them something to do outdoors, go for it," said MacDonald.

Although the town is running on a tight budget, MacDonald said council will try to find some money to help the skateboarders achieve their goal.

"But most of it's going to have to come from the private sector, I'm afraid," said MacDonald.

The group has priced some skate park equipment online at about $8,500 dollars.

They're seeking donations from the community and are planning a car wash.