Portable skate ramp pilot project paused, set for enhancement

The City of Medicine Hat has announced it will remove the portable skate ramps recently installed at the East Glen Rink, and temporarily pause the pilot project. The portable skate ramp pilot project is an initiative aimed at enhancing the year-round use of outdoor rinks and other City-owned spaces.

The decision to move the ramps was made based on resident feedback, which indicated that the ramps produced excessive noise levels when in use. Pausing the pilot project provides staff with the opportunity to further enhance the all-around enjoyment of this exciting new outdoor recreational amenity for all residents.

The ramps will be removed by end of day on Friday, June 19. Once the ramps are removed, staff will explore options to dampen the sound these ramps emit.

“We appreciate the valuable resident and skate community feedback that has been received since these ramps have launched – this is what pilot projects are for,” said Jeremy Patton, Project Manager. “Portable amenities like these increase the public’s access to new recreational opportunities and maximize existing recreational spaces. And, it’s important we ensure they not only meet the needs of users, but also the neighbourhoods they’re in. This pause allows us to make sure we get it right.”

The pausing of this pilot project also means that the ramps will not be deployed to Heald Rink until staff can confirm the infrastructure will be a suitable fit within parks directly beside residential neighbourhoods moving forward.

The City remains committed to finding a suitable fix and locations for these ramps, and appreciates the public’s understanding during this process. Updates will be provided once locations have been determined at a later date.

For media inquiries, please contact:
media@medicinehat.ca