A plan set in motion by a group of schoolchildren to build a skate park in Lawrence has taken its next big step as a committee was formed earlier this week.
The group of 10 pupils from Lawrence Area School sent a letter to the public asking for support to build a skate park in the town.
On Tuesday night the pupils got their wish as a committee was formed consisting of 12 adults and the 10 pupils.
Flynt Longley, Hannah Murray, Lanie Bell, Blake Macdonald, Fredrick Houpapa-Mitchell, Jacob Deal, Max McTavish, Kurt Rhodes, Jenaya Thompson and Kaitlin O’Neill were the 10 pupils behind the idea.
Flynt said it was needed so they had somewhere safe to skate without getting into trouble.
"We’ve always been growled at for going across the driveways and I just about got hit by a car one time."
The group heard from Kaitangata skate park development group chairman Dallas Storer who advised the committee on what needed to be done and steps it could take to build a skate park.
The pupils’ school teacher, Gillian May, was elected as committee chairwoman and Sara McTavish was elected as the secretary.
The role of treasurer was yet to be filled and the group was on the hunt for someone with experience in finance or grant applications.Once the role was filled, the committee wanted to start fundraising.
It was believed the park would cost between $80,000 and $100,000.Flynt was confident the money could be raised.
"We are a very good town and very supportive."
Mrs May said the park would be built on school property with support of the board of trustees.
She said the children had made real momentum.
"They’ve made real headway with a project which has been tried before."
It was great to see such a positive response to their ideas from the community.
