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Again this year, the youth who attend the Miramichi Skate Park are helping out. Before the skate park can open its gates, it needs to be swept of dirt, rocks and debris from a long, hard winter. The youth showed up Thursday night to do just this. They racked, swept and did whatever was needed to meet our opening date of May 15. It still needs to dry, so here's hoping we have lots of sunny days ahead.

The skate park is just one of the many programs the Wellness and Recreation Department offer that provide many opportunities for youth to build their developmental assets. From the onset of the park opening, the youth have been involved in its creation, the organization of the special events, and in the development of the ramps. The youth receive lots of support from the supervisors. They are given useful tasks to complete during the special events that are held. The adults show youth they are valued and encourage their opinions. Moreover, the youth feel safe while at the park, where the supervisors provide clear rules and consequences.

Many people often ask, "How is that the park remains so graffiti-free?" I believe the reason is that the youth care about the park. They feel a sense of ownership. Even though the park was built in 2001, the feeling of ownership remains each year.

Check out some other things happening within the department:

• Tomorrow at 4 p.m. we will be holding the 8th Annual B. J. Breau Memorial Basketball Tournament. All proceeds go towards a JMH bursary.

• On June 8 at 1 p.m. at the skate park we will be holding the 3rd Annual Drew Cormier Memorial Jam, with all proceeds going towards a MVHS Bursary.

To learn more about the 40 developmental assets give me a call at 623-2054.