Calgary park transformed into inclusive area for blind and visually impaired skateboarders
The skatepark at southwest Calgary's Shaw Millennium Park is looking a bit different on Saturday, but it's all to offer a unique opportunity for disabled residents.
Through the work of Alt Route Projects, a group of blind and visually impaired skateboarders, the area has been modified with neon-coloured tape, tactile pathways and audio beacons.
All of the equipment was installed to make the area more inclusive for riders who like to enjoy a "sesh" of shredding and grinding but couldn't on a normal course because of their disabilities.
"Skateboarding is such a fun way of getting outside and making friends," said Curtis Ruttle, the founder of Alt Route and a Grade 11 student at Bishop Carroll High School.
"Blind and visually impaired people can get in on the fun, but they need some changes in skatepark design to make skateboarding safer and more enjoyable."
Over the past two years, Ruttle has been working with Matt Janz, the founder of another group for visually impaired skateboarders called Skate Bats.
The pair hopes that with skateboarding added to the Olympics, the event will soon become available to Paralympians as well.
"We are hoping to lay down the base work for an adaptive skateboard team here in Canada," Janz said in a statement. "We're hoping to empower any blind or low-vision kids in Calgary to seek an exciting and inspiring career on a skateboard at the Paralympic level."
The additions to the skatepark were fully funded by the Calgary Parking Authority's sponsorship program.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.