Skateboard park called ‘Awesome’

Charleswood park built in memory of Michael Komenda

It’s a $630,000 tribute to a young athlete who made a mistake that cost him his life.

The Michael Komenda Memorial Skateboard Park is almost finished and will have its grand opening Aug. 10.

“A couple of kids have snuck onto the site and they tell me it’s awesome,” Jim Komenda, Michael’s father, said with a laugh.

It certainly looks awesome. Half pipes, railings, stairs and 25,000 square feet of smooth, two-toned grey concrete thrusts itself up from the ground behind Varsity View Sportsplex – and there’s something for skateboarders of every level.

“That was part of the design,” said Komenda. “So this way the skateboarders can progress (in skill.)”

Komenda’s son, Michael, died in April of 2002 after climbing up into the rafters at CanadInns Stadium. The 14 year old teen fell several storeys.

“He and his friends were bored,” said Komenda. “I think it’s important to give young people something to do.”

Komenda said his son was an avid athlete who especially enjoyed boarding sports, including snowboarding, wake boarding and skateboarding.

After his death, family and friends organized a committee to build a skateboard park in Charleswood.

“The first thing we did was ask (Charleswood Coun.) Bill Clement what we needed to do...he was instrumental in keeping us on track.”

Clement was unavailable for comment.

Five years and numerous fundraising events later, the park is almost finished.

“We’ve incorporated some planters, there will be a memorial tree (in the middle,)” said Komenda.

The park was built by New Line Skate Parks, which has built parks all over the world, including The Forks skateboard park and Millennium Park in Calgary.

The grand opening will include live music, free draws, food and giveaways and a demonstration by a local skate team. The festivities will begin at 5 p.m. on Aug. 10.