Chase Vossenaar (proper) is getting his methods down on the new skateboard function. (Neil Corbett/The Information)

Kyle Dion donated the skateboard function by way of his firm New Line Skateparks. (Neil Corbett/The Information)

Jordan White and Chase Vossenaar had been two of the children having fun with the brand new park function. (Neil Corbett/The Information)

Ribbon chopping occasion at Firefighters Park. (Particular to The Information)

A Maple Ridge household that’s within the skateboard park enterprise has made an $100,000 donation of a brand new skateboard function in a Maple Ridge park.

On July 13, members of Maple Ridge metropolis council and Parks, Recreation and Tradition Advisory Committee members joined Kyle Dion and his household for a ribbon chopping to rejoice the brand new skateboard ramp at Firefighters Park (11309 238th St.).

“This glorious new amenity has been donated to town by the Dion Household,” mentioned a metropolis press launch.

The Dions grew up in Maple Ridge, and Kyle determined to personally fund the development of the mini ramp. Kyle’s firm, New Line Skateparks Inc. designed the skate ramp factor and his brother Colin’s firm, Transition Building, constructed it.

It’s proper throughout the road from the Dion residence. Kyle mentioned he had constructed a ramp at his outdated home, and was going to construct one other at his new residence. As a substitute, he contacted town, and requested in regards to the donation. Metropolis corridor was pleased to just accept.

He mentioned the function would have price $80,000 to $100,000 for a municipality to purchase, however his price was within the $55,000 to $60,000 vary.

Kyle is clearly carefully linked to his hometown.

“Years in the past, I used to be skateboarding on the steps of the outdated Library and I used to be approached by a metropolis workers member. I assumed I used to be going to be kicked off the steps, however as an alternative I used to be invited to the Greg Moore Youth Centre to skateboard,” he mentioned.

“Over time I used to be requested to design some transportable skate ramps for the GMYC and that undertaking was the genesis of my profession designing and constructing skate parks,” added Dion.

He’s now the president and CEO of New Line Skate Parks, and builds skate parks all around the planet.

“The town’s youth programming helped me discover my ardour, and since these early days I’ve had the good fortune of creating skate parks world wide.”

He mentioned there are all the time children on the brand new ramp. On Tuesday, Chase Vossenaar was one of many children doing a little spectacular methods on his scooter there.

“It’s so near my home – I come right here day by day,” he mentioned. “I find it irresistible.”

That’s music to Kyle’s ears, as he watered a few of the new turf across the ramp.

“It’s my hope that one of many younger folks on this neighbourhood will discover their ardour on this park,” he mentioned. “I’m grateful for the success I’ve had in my life and the mentoring from the youth workers and volunteers after I was younger. It feels nice to present again and pay it ahead.”

Firefighters Park is without doubt one of the metropolis’s latest, in-built February 2020.

“On behalf of council and the residents of Maple Ridge, we’re grateful for this donation from the Dion household. Kyle’s story is an inspiration and a reminder that the investments that we make in our youth assist create nice future leaders,” mentioned Mayor Mike Morden.