After nearly a decade of fundraising, advocacy, and community support, Orillia’s artists and skaters are now teaming up to fund the city’s very own skatepark.

Orillia Skateparkers recently held their third Wallboards Art Auction, where skateboard decks are turned into unique pieces of art and sold to raise money for the new skatepark at Foundry Park near the Orillia Recreation Centre. The skatepark project has been in the works for about nine years, and the community has been raising money to help make it a reality.

According to Mark Watson of the Orillia Skateparkers, the skatepark construction is expected to begin in May this year, and the project is expected to cost between $1.2 and $1.5 million. Adding other features like pickleball courts could elevate the project cost to about $2 million. So far, around $40,000 has been raised, and the group hopes to contribute $100,000 toward the final build, while also giving local youth a chance to combine their love of art and skateboarding.

The third Wallboards Art Auction featured more than 40 artists who had turned skateboard decks into unique pieces of art to raise $7,500. The online auction included a wide mix of styles, from tattoo art to traditional painting, and even featured work by young artists like Coral McGarvey-Moreland, who created a fun, space-themed design.

The event not only raised money but also brought the community together and offered a chance for youth to connect, create, and build something important for the community.

Source: Tyler Evans, Orillia Matters