AKWESASNE – The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA) has received $241,000 in funding from Canadian Tire and Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities (Jumpstart) for the construction of a 9,600 sq. ft. skatepark.
“We are very excited to announce that we will be constructing our very own skatepark in Akwesasne,” said MCA Chief Edward Roundpoint. “Due to COVID-19, the need to support the physical and mental health of our community has never been greater. Our youth, along with our neighbours, will be able to skate and socialize to promote overall well-being in a safe location. I would like to extend a gracious thank you to Jumpstart for honouring Truth and Reconciliation and partnering with Akwesasne on this great initiative. I would also like to express my gratitude to the team at MCA Economic Development, with a special acknowledgement to Troy Thompson, Business Service Officer, who made this vision a reality.”
Construction on the park is expected to begin in July of this year and the funding from Canadian Tire and Jumpstart will help cover costs for construction, landscaping, and five LED lampposts.
“Jumpstart is proud to support the construction of the Akwesasne skatepark to help kids in the area come together and stay active when it is safe to do so,” said Marco Di Buono, Associate Vice President of Operations & Programs at Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities. “COVID-19 has had a profound impact on kids’ participation in sports and organized play, and Jumpstart is committed to helping create spaces across Canada where kids can reap the many benefits of outdoor physical activity.”
The new Akwesasne Skatepark will be situated on the riverfront of the A’nowara’ko:wa Arena, on Kawehno:ke facing the City of Cornwall and is expected to be completed by September of 2022.
