Edmundston Skate Plaza is officially open!

Jun 1, 2024

It is with immense pride that the municipality of Edmundston announces the official opening of the long-awaited Skate Plaza, the result of a community project that began more than a decade ago. This new outdoor facility offers young people a safe, accessible and clearly visible place to practice their urban sports.

In 2012, a group of young people aged between 10 and 15 expressed a desire to see new sports facilities in Edmundston, including a new skate park. In order to do so, they submitted a petition to the mayor at the time, Mr. Cyrille Simard. Several people devoted their time to this committee, but the pillars who brought the project to fruition are: Dr. Julien Morneault, Jacques Rousseau, Martine Marchand, David Couturier and Jérémie Landry.

Following several consultations with skateboard enthusiasts, their parents, committee members, in collaboration with New Line Skateparks, a 3D conceptual plan integrating the modules desired by users was developed. What followed was a post-COVID community fundraising campaign which presented many challenges. Les Chevaliers de Colomb - Conseil 1932, were the first to support the project with a donation of $200,000. This group of young people managed to raise the funds necessary for the project, about $850,000. After several presentations to municipal stakeholders and the municipal council, the project was integrated into the municipality’s “investment plans” for the year 2021.

“This project has been a real journey, but seeing the smiles on the faces of young people today is worth it. We wanted to create a space where they can feel safe, accepted and inspired. The project also aims to combat bullying and give a positive vision of these sports practiced in the park. I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together,” explains Jérémie Landry, member of the Skate Plaza citizens committee.

“The opening of Skate Plaza is a historic moment for Edmundston. This project not only represents a fantastic addition to our sports infrastructure, but it is a testament to the determination and commitment of our community. He is an example of tenacity and community resilience from which several groups can draw inspiration. Seeing these young people working with the municipality and partners for a common goal, without ever losing hope that it would one day come true, is exceptional. Congratulations to all those who contributed to its creation and long life to the Skate Plaza,” concludes Mayor of Edmundston, Éric Marquis.

New Line Skateparks started building the plaza in spring of 2023, and on June 1, 2024, the municipality can finally announce its official opening.

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CONTACT: Maxime Malo, Community Recreation Coordinator, Recreation and Sports Department, 506.737.6713, maxime.Malo@edmundston.ca