Gailea Momolu Skateboard Park

As the Light Rail Transit (LRT) project finishes, land that was used for construction is now free to restore. A large construction space at the southwest corner of Trillium Park in Ward 11 is becoming open again. before the LRT project, this site was a soccer field.

The current Gailea Momolu Skateboard Park is north of this area, near the southwest end of the parking lot. The skateboard park is worn down. Site features are degraded and do not meet the needs of skateboarders. The park is not reflective of a focused, modern facility that fits into the diverse range of skateboard parks across the city.

The new skateboard park will be built in the southwest corner where the construction space was. It will connect to nearby pathways and the Multi-Use Pathway (MUP) that runs beside the LRT east of Blair Station. Most of the trees will stay. The new driveway will provide emergency access to the LRT and parking will be added along the west side of the park. The existing skateboard park will be turned into parking space.

Visitors will enter the park under a large custom shade structure with seating and storage features.

The skateboard park will feature plaza-style, low impact-low consequence features that can be incorporated into more complex combinations to suit a diverse range of users.

An open bowl mini ramp feature will be located on the south side. A full list of features can be found on the attached concept plans.

The park will blend into the landscape with passive space provided for people to watch and gather. Land forms such as small berms will help define these areas and uses.

Full funding for this project has not yet been secured so the construction timeline has not been finalized.

Please note that the final park layout may differ from the presented concept. Public consultation responses, technical detailing, supply availability and financial constraints are some of the factors that may influence a change.

We kindly invite you to complete the survey below to share your insights and preferences. Please note that the survey can only be taken once per account. Your feedback is important in shaping the future of this new park.

What We Learned

Thank you to everyone who participated in the public consultation. The consultation statistics show that 778 visitors viewed the website on Engage Ottawa during the consultation period with 167 residents taking further actions such as downloading documents (50 downloads) or navigating multiple project pages (129 instances). Engagement at the highest level occurred through the survey tool, with 32 respondents providing input.

What residents like about the skateboard park:

• Shade and seating areas – Highly appreciated for comfort and spectators.
• Proximity to LRT station – Convenient and improves accessibility.
• Variety of features – Mix of obstacles, rails, and bowl options for different skill levels.
• Good flow and layout – Smooth transitions and design that supports creativity.
• Large space and openness – Allows multiple users at once.

What residents don’t like, or would change about the skateboard park:

• Drinking water – Strong demand for hydration stations, ideally with bottle refill.
• Site Lighting – Many want floodlights for evening skating. (response - lighting already provided at this location).
• Design is less suitable for other roller sports.
• Indoor or covered option – Desire for year-round usability, especially in winter.
• Some requests for more advanced ramps and taller quarters - features that support progression beyond beginner level.

Thoughts residents had on the overall design:

• Lighting was identified as a gap in Ottawa skateparks (response - lighting already provided at this location).
• Potential to modify existing skateboard features to accommodate other roller sports - to broaden user base.
• More trees and landscaping – For shade, aesthetics, and environmental benefits.
• Amenities and safety features – Garbage bins, signage, emergency buttons, and fencing for child safety.
• Educational element about Gailea Momolu – Suggestion to include a display honoring the park’s namesake.

Next Steps & Decisions

The engagement phase is now archived, and project decisions are being finalized using the collected feedback. Participants can expect future updates through the Engage Ottawa project page as the skatepark progresses into subsequent planning and construction stages.