Victoria to host grand opening for new Topaz bike, skateboard park
The City of Victoria is marking the grand opening of its newest bike and skateboard park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and demonstrations by some professional riders.
The new infrastructure at Topaz Park includes a 3,000-square-metre skate park featuring the largest skate bowl in Greater Victoria, plus a 6,000-square-metre bike park and pump track.
The city says the new features are fit for riders of all skill levels, including beginners.
"There is a lot of excitement and anticipation about this amazing new infrastructure," Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps said in a statement Monday.
"Recreational activities are critical for the health of our community and skate, scooter and bike features like these will help residents of all ages stay active."
The new bike park section of Topaz Park is pictured. Aug. 8, 2022. (CTV News)
Everyone is invited to attend the opening day festivities, starting at 9 a.m. on Aug. 20.
The day's schedule includes a mayor's welcome at 11 a.m., followed by a bike park tour and professional demos at noon, then a stake park tour and pro demos at 1 p.m.
There will be games, prize giveaways, food trucks, community booths and a live DJ.
The new park areas include interactive sculptures by artist Germaine Koh. The landscaping includes new trees, as well as shared pathways, social spaces and a more sustainable approach to stormwater management, according to the city.
The skate and bike parks, along with the ongoing replacement and expansion of the turf sports field, are part of an initial $10-million investment from the city.
Design work for the next phase of improvements at Topaz Park is planned for 2023 and will include new pickleball courts, ball diamond upgrades and an improved leash-optional dog area.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Canada recognizes housing as a human right. Few provinces have followed suit
As more Canadians find themselves struggling to afford or find housing, the country's smallest province is the only one that can point to legislation recognizing housing as a human right.
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates
Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.