MCA Celebrates the Construction of a New Skatepark

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne is celebrating support from Canadian Tire and Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities (Jumpstart) towards the construction of a 9,600 square-foot concrete skatepark in Akwesasne beginning in July 2022.

Canadian Tire and Jumpstart are providing $241,000 towards the Akwesasne Skatepark Project, which will help pay for construction, landscaping, and five LED lampposts.

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA) is grateful for the support from Canadian Tire and Jumpstart to build a superior skatepark that will provide many benefits to the residents of Akwesasne, Cornwall, and surrounding areas, including an outlet to prevent rising physical and mental health issues, the creation of new jobs and a boost to local tourism.

"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."

The Akwesasne Skatepark will be situated at the A'nowara'ko:wa Arena riverfront facing the City of Cornwall on Kawehno:ke (Cornwall Island), and is expected to have a grand opening in September 2022.

"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."