By Tyler Waugh Western Review staff

Drayton Valley's long-awaited skateboard park has finally arrived to enthusiastic reviews from throngs of local youth who boarded, bladed and hung out at the town's newest recreation venue.

"This is pretty awesome," said 12-year-old Kyle Klasser, one of nearly 40 people who zigged, zagged and hot-dogged at the park Wednesday evening. "It's a lot better than the old one."

After nearly three years of conversation, preparation and, at times, frustration, Drayton Valley's skateboard community saw the asphalt laid down Aug. 17 adjacent to the Omniplex parking lot. An Edmonton company, Play Works, came in Aug. 31 and assembled a number of jumps, ramps, ledges and other structures designed to help skateboarders and roller bladers get more creative.

"It's pretty good but it could be a little longer so we can get a better approach," said Lonnie Platz, who was using a ramp to leap over a garbage can. "There's a lot of little kids here so there isn't much room."

"I hope they finish soon," added Ryan Lien. "The pyramid isn't done and that ledge isn't covered yet."

Annette Driessen, facility manager at the Omniplex, says the missing pieces are not an oversight. Some of the components didn't fit when the structures were assembled in Drayton Valley and two other rails have yet to be installed.

"You put something together in a warehouse and everything fits but sometimes you bring it on-site and little things have changed and pieces don't come together. The company is working on getting these altered to fit properly," she said.

The need for a new skateboard park became apparent when a group of young residents approached the town office with concerns about the old facility. A public meeting was held and an association - composed of parents, council [members] and youths - was later formed in co-operation with the Kinsmen Club of Drayton Valley.

Subsequent fund-raising and support from local youth, the town and Brazeau County resulted in an estimated $80,000 for the park.

"The kids put a fair bit of time into raising some money - selling Christmas trees or chocolate bars. There are definitely a lot of people to thank now that it's close to done," said Cheryl French *, one of the parents on the committee.

Some parents have already voiced concerns about safety at the site but Driessen said that, beyond recommending the use of proper equipment and common sense, the onus is on the users to provide a safe environment.

"The town said there is no way to supervise that park 24-7 and that it would not be putting down rules because they cannot be enforced," she said. "We have to look to parents and especially the older kids to set a good example for the younger ones."

A sign recommending the use of helmets and other protective gear will be erected in the near future.

This article was originally found at http://www.bowesnet.com/draytonvalley/Z01_story1.html

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