Burford Optimists unveil revitalized Community Skatepark

Members of the Burford Optimist Club pose with Mayor David Bailey during the Grand Opening of the Burford Optimist Skatepark on Saturday, June 7th. The Optimist led a campaign to raise $200,000 through financial and in-kind donations to help bring the park project to life. 

Casandra Turnbull 

Managing Editor

The Burford Optimist Park has added another feature to its growing list of youth attractions, officially unveiling a newly revitalized skatepark on June 7.

Community members, youth, and local dignitaries gathered for the grand opening at the Burford Community Centre Skatepark, a project four years in the making. The initiative began in 2021, when the Optimist Club sought to replace aging modular ramps with a safer and more modern facility.

The Optimists — whose influence can be seen across the park’s ball diamonds, pavilion and splashpad — spearheaded the skatepark project on behalf of local youth. A youth advisory committee, made up of local teens passionate about the redesign, presented their concept to Brant County Council and received unanimous support.

Heather Keam, a Burford Optimist who co-led the project with fellow member Jennifer Daniel, said the County of Brant was highly supportive from start to finish. The youth designed the park’s new concept, and the Optimists turned it over to Kathy Ballantyne at the County of Brant, who served as project coordinator and helped bring the design to life.

Construction started last fall with a shovel in the ground and was completed by Transition Construction, based in British Columbia. The $525,000 in combined funding supported the Burford revitalization and an expansion of the Paris Optimist Skatepark. The Burford Optimist Club raised $200,000 through community fundraising, while the County’s contribution was funded through development charges.

The new skatepark replaces the original 2005 structure, which had deteriorated over time.

Hunter Keam, a Burford youth involved from the beginning, said seeing the finished park was a proud moment.

“As a youth who grew up here, it’s amazing to see everyone come together and make this a great place to grow up,” he told the crowd.

Optimist Club president Nicole Coppaway credited the group’s dedicated volunteers. “The club is full of volunteers who care deeply about this town,” she said.

Mayor David Bailey echoed her sentiments. “To the Optimist Club – you people are doing an amazing job doing the right thing for the youth of Burford. I’m so impressed,” he said. Bailey also noted the park’s liveliness on Saturday morning, pointing to busy ball diamonds and a bustling splashpad. “It’s a pleasure to have a park like this being used.”

During the ceremony, recognition was given to businesses and individuals who contributed financially or through in-kind donations. Stubbe’s Precast donated all the concrete, while Dufferin Aggregates provided gravel.

Professional skateboarders, including members of the 100% Skateboarder Sk8club Ontario Chapter, were on hand to demonstrate tricks and offer tips to local youth. Pro skater Drew Fraser and his young protégé, Aaron, also took part in the festivities.

“It was the community donations and eager volunteers who made things possible,” said Keam.