The Low Down on the Box Jump
Posted by Landozine - 22/06/10 at 05:06:21 pmAlright. First off I need to apologize for keeping everyone in the dark about the box jump progress for the past couple of weeks. Nothing has been set in stone and I have been waiting for the city to get back to me on a crucial issue. So to fill everyone in, here is the low down.
This project has been in the works for almost 2 years now. When it was first proposed, the plan was to build a wooden box jump similar to what would be ridden in a contest environment (the only way to pitch to a city, legitimize it through competitive terms). We raised the money, and bought the wood. We started building the ramp and then when I went to the final meeting where we were supposed to discuss the grand opening, I was instead informed that last fall (well after we had started raising money and gotten the ok from the city) risk management specialists changed city policy so that wooden ramps were no longer covered under the city’s liability insurance.
So at the last minute, we had the carpet pulled out from under our feet. Luckily though we have councillor Bob Monette in our corner. Bob argued with parks and rec trying to see if there was some loophole in which we could build the ramp anyways… unfortunately there wasn’t. This is where we’ve been at for the past couple of weeks. I haven’t made a public announcement because Bob assured me that he would look into it and see if anything could be done. He understands that we raised a significant amount of money and that the community really went above and beyond to get this done and he was not going to let us be disappointed.
I’m happy to say that we are no longer at a stand still. I was informed by Councillor Monette’s office today that we have found an alternative option. Apparently the company that designed the rest of the orleans ramps is going to do a custom build job for us, with our specs. Thats the good news. The bad news is that this ramp is going to cost 15 000$. I’m not entirely sure of the details as I am meeting with Bob on Friday to hammer out the final game plan but things are looking good. I believe that Bob has found a slush fund from which to pay for the ramp with. As to when this ramp will be implemented… I don’t know. Could be as early as August, could be as late as next spring. But the good news here is that we are going to get a box jump.
Once again I want to thank everyone for their support in this ongoing affair. I will keep everyone posted on the developments Friday.
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YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSs
Comment by Tommy — June 22, 2010 #
And nobody’s money went to waste because it will still go toward this ramp!
Excellent!
I know there are some skeptics out there. They are more than welcome to start fundariasing and getting things goings. I’ll attend their shitty events too.
Comment by Rich Red — June 22, 2010 #
hey no need for pessimism here.
Its true, there are alot of skeptics, with a lot of bad attitudes but those people don’t matter. They’re only impatient with the process because they probably wont even be riding BMX by the time the ramp gets built, even if its only 2 months from now.
We need to stay positive. This is an awesome turn of events!
Comment by Landozine — June 22, 2010 #
kudos to Chris for being the head of this whole project
dealing with the city can be a long, drawn out ordeal, and it’s good to have someone at the forefront that knows how to to talk and work with them, instead of making demands or backing down
Comment by Prashant — June 23, 2010 #
I agree with Prashant, you’re kicking ass Chris!
Comment by Tommy — June 23, 2010 #
It’s all for you Tommy. I barely ever ride orleans lol.
Comment by Landozine — June 23, 2010 #
haha, well thanks then
Comment by Tommy — June 23, 2010 #
Yeah Pops for the determination Chris! Years ago I took a crack at the city of gatineau to get things improved.. Ughhh the nightmares..Luckly you couldn’t have done this better!
Comment by Gour — June 23, 2010 #
if this works out well, we’ll set our eyes on something bigger.
Comment by Landozine — June 23, 2010 #
also, let’s make sure this doesn’t turn out like the Stittsville boxjump did
Comment by Prashant — June 25, 2010 #