Atkinson Skate Parks Barron Bowl Gets Final Approval

The ball is rolling on a new addition at the Atkinson Skate Park on Riverside Dr. W.

City council has given the final approval for a one-of-a-kind concrete bowl in honour of Windsor skateboarder Ryan Barron who passed away in 2016 after being hit by a car in Vancouver while skateboarding.

This from Jane Sparrow with the Friends for Atkinson Park who says Barron played a major role in getting the park open in 2005 and continued to be involved up until his death.

She says the goal is make sure Ryan's contributions aren't forgotten.

"We already have a memorial tree and a plaque, but certainly he was one of our initial skateboarders. He was an intregal part of the park and the kids who came to the park and we felt it was only right that he was recognized for that."

Sparrow says there's no question Ryan had an influence on those who come to the park.

"As have a number of the skateboarders who come and use it, mentor and teach the kids who come to the park. Ryan was one of those young men that said to the kids, "This is not a city skateboard park, this is our skateboard park and you have to take care of it."

She says the park has been around long enough that its now become a generational meeting place.

"We find the young boys who came to us in the beginning are now fathers and they are bringing their sons and daughters with them to use the park. So it really is a family oriented sport."

Sparrow says fundraising for the project will now go into high gear — roughly $150,000 of the $200,000 cost of the bowl still needs to be raised.

Donations to the project can be dropped off at city hall.

The Friends for Atkinson Park hope to have the 'Barron Bowl' open by spring 2020.