The SLP Skate Park in Lethbridge has been renamed the Wade Galloway Skate Park. (Photo: J. Goulet-LNN)

By Justin Goulet

South Lethbridge skate park renamed in honour of late City Councillor

Nov 12, 2022 | 6:05 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – A skate park in Lethbridge has undergone a name change.

The SLP Skate Park, located on the corner of Mayor Magrath Drive South and South Parkside Drive, is now known as the Wade Galloway Skate Park.

The change is a tribute to former City of Lethbridge councillor Wade Galloway. The development of the SLP Skate Park was a passion project for Galloway, and his work on the site inspired him to run for City Council. Galloway won a seat in the 2013 election, before passing away in February 2014.

Lethbridge Mayor Blaine Hyggen said he could not think of a more fitting way to pay tribute to Galloway than by renaming the park in his honour.

Hyggen said, “While the time Wade and I spent together as colleagues was short, the personal connection to him, through his family, continues today and I’m so grateful to be able to honour him in this way.”

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The renaming comes after City Council approved a new multi-year sponsorship deal with the Wade Philip Galloway Legacy Foundation Inc. The agreement includes a 20-year deal at $12,500 per year for the first 10 years and $15,000 per year for the next 10 years, for a total commitment of $275,000 from the foundation.

Blaine Hyggen stated, “On behalf of City Council, I thank the Galloway family and the Foundation for choosing this site to remember the legacy Wade has left here in Lethbridge.”

He continued, “We also want to thank SLP Industries for their past sponsorship of the Skate Park. They have been an excellent community partner for more than a decade and we are extremely grateful for their support.”

Wade Galloway’s father, Bill, said his son loved skateboarding when he was young.

Bill Galloway stated, “He [Wade] wanted nothing more than to have a community space where he could share that passion with his own children as well as all young people.”

He said, “He worked hard to make that happen and we are honoured to use funds from his Foundation to recognize that dedication and enhance the city he loved.”

New signage will be installed and a grand re-opening of the skate park will be held when the weather permits.

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