The L.E.A.F. Initiative is a Commonwell program to support capacity, resiliency and growth in the communities we call home.

Milverton All Wheels Park Project

40 Temperance St. Milverton, ONN0K 1M0

Target Completion Date: October 31, 2023

What is this project about?

In 2021, we were approached by local youth who dreamed of one day having a skate park in their own community. We agreed to take on the ambitious project to build an All Wheels Park. As an organization, we feel that this project will provide a safe, sanctioned place for kids to exercise, socialize, and develop skills that will be useful throughout their lives. The Optimist International motto is “Friend of Youth” so we feel this project perfectly aligns with our focus on supporting our local youth.
Our goal is to raise $204 000 to build a 40’ x 60’ concrete all wheels park in summer 2023. To date, we have received approval and a $20 000 commitment from the Township of Perth East to build this project on the grounds at the Perth East Recreation Complex. We have secured a $4000 grant from the Stratford Perth Community Foundation. The Milverton Lions Club has made a $10 000 commitment to our project. AW Millwrights have committed $10 000 in labour/materials and cash. Other grants are being pursued as well. We are seeing significant support from local businesses, community organizations, and individuals. Our community is clearly excited and eager to see this project succeed. We recently held a Roll-a-thon where 39 kids between the ages of 3 and 13 participated on scooters, skateboards, bikes, and in-line skates, gathering $3200 in pledges. In order to make our local youth’s dreams a reality, we are seeking financial support from you.

2022-roll-a-thon-thank-you-for-Shops.pdf

Why is this project important to the community?

This project is important because it will be a gathering place for our youth, allowing them a positive space to hang out and engage in outdoor, physical activity. All wheels parks are supportive environments where older/more experienced users mentor and celebrate the achievements of younger/less experienced users. Kids of all ages learn from each other. In this way, it will support children's learning and mental health. Use of the park will be free and unscheduled and available anytime it is snow and ice-free. The cost of equipment is low compared to other sports and there are no team fees. In this way, this park will be accessible to kids of all economic backgrounds. Parents and children will be encouraged to stay in Milverton to enjoy the sports of scootering, skateboarding, cycling, and in-line skating rather than leaving town to find a space for these activities. It will be the first all wheels park in Perth East so we anticipate people from out of town will come to use it and stay to shop and eat locally. In this way, the park will support our local economy. The park will be located at the Perth East Recreation Complex where a banquet hall, arena, ball diamonds, soccer pitch, outdoor public pool, pavilion, playground, and basketball court are nearby. The Milverton All Wheels Park will be another fun amenity for kids and families coming to the complex.