There's a lot of excitement at Simplot Central Park as construction is expected to start soon on the Rotary Skate Park in Portage la Prairie.

Chair of the Portage Parks Committee Melissa Draycott says whether someone is new to skateboarding or roller blading, they wanted to make sure kids could enjoy the park immediately.

"I think it's easier to get this part of the park done because we already have two incredible elements in the park already," says Draycott. "It shows the commitment of this committee that we're not going anywhere. We're doing this. This is the project. This is what the community in the area, and surrounding areas in Portage la Prairie told us that they would like to see."

The committee has already celebrated the success of the playground equipment and the McCain Interactive Water Feature being installed in the park. Draycott says they hope to see kids having fun as early as late fall 2023, but we could see kids having fun in the area for all 365 days of the year.

This is where the skate park will be built.This is where the skate park will be built.

"This is a four-season park so we are anticipating seeing snowboarders, or kids that are wanting to try that snowboard feature, be able to use that all winter long, and toboggan on the berm that's going to be put in, as well," says Draycott. "So, we're excited about it being a four-season park. That means we get to put it in the ground and then we still get to enjoy it until next spring."

The second phase will include a bowl and the committee will begin fundraising for that portion in the future. She says the committee is filled with volunteers and it's been about a decade in the making.

To make the project less costly, Draycott hopes the community can help with fencing, toilets, dumpster rental, concrete supply, a skid steer and mini-excavator, among other things. They're also looking for suitable accommodations for the building timeline. If anyone believes they can help, she asks you reach out to the committee.