Mississippi Mills Bylaw BY-LAW NO. 02 – 27 prohibits skateboarding in downtown Almonte including Almonte Old Town Hall, Little Bridge St. and Mill Street. In recently weeks these areas have been impacted by some incidences of vandalism including window smashing and extensive graffiti.
The OPP are conducting an ongoing investigation and have begun a more strict enforcement of the no skateboarding by-law. We understand these incidents are the actions of a select few and that Mississippi Mills young people need somewhere they feel welcome. The Almonte skate park committee has been fundraising to build a proper skate park for several years and are closer than ever to their goal. Plans are underway to have the skate park completed as part of an overall Gemmill Park Canada 150 overhaul in the summer of 2017.
In the meanwhile local youth still need somewhere to stay active and have fun. After consulting with a few of Almonte’s young skateboarders and some parents the Municipality has decided to set-up a temporary ‘Skate Park’ for the 2016 summer. Located in the parking lot of the Almonte Community Centre -182 Bridge St. this area will be unsupervised but well lit. It is our hope that kids will feel welcome and comfortable using this area. Barricades and equipment will be installed mid July.
Here are some more suggestions to help get your kids outside having fun this summer.
- The Mississippi Mills Youth Camp is an affordable program ($15 a day including lunch) funded by the Municipality and Lanark County. This day program is running out of the Almonte Curling Club, includes weekly excursions and is open to youth 10 and up. For more information contact Les Voaks at 613-889-7753/ 613-256-1712 or Bonnie Ostrom at 613-256-1077
- The Almonte Beach has lifeguards on duty from noon to 5:00PM 7 days a week. ADHS recently partnered with the Municipality to build two beautiful new shade structures.
- Now that school is out local school playgrounds and parking lots are open to the public
- Augusta Street Park has a great pump track as well as a beautiful new basketball court funded by NBA Cares.
- Metcalfe Park off Ottawa Street has an interesting Geoheritage pathway and a newly installed dock perfect for fishing – thanks to the Mississippi River Power Corporation
- The Municipality is hosting free outdoor family movies Thursday nights in August. These fun evenings will be spread out in parks across Missississippi Mills. Watch our facebook page for more information: www.facebook.com/MississippiMills/
- Gemmill Park has great walking trails and a brand new nine hole disc golf course. This course is free to use and fun for all ages. Discs can be borrowed from the Almonte Library. Check out the Almonte Disc Golf Facebook page for information about try-it nights.
- We have many other parks across Almonte that include new play structures, trees, shaded picnic tables and more:
- Riverfront Park located off Spring Street and Merrithew Street has two brand new play structures and a swing set
- Meadowglen Park located off Spring Street has a basketball court and playstructure
- Wylie Street Park located off Wylie Street has a play structure, basketball court and a great open space
- MacIntosh Park located off Thoburn St. has a large play structure and shady picnic spots
For more information on any of these parks or services please contact the Recreation and Culture department at 613-256-1077.
Tiffany MacLaren
Community Economic & Cultural Coordinator
Municipality of Mississippi Mills
