Despite a break-in at the site in late October that led to the theft of tools and equipment, progress continues on the 12,000-square-foot Columbia Falls Skateboard Park.

At this stage, projecting a timeline for completion depends on how the weather plays out, but if the weather holds, the park is expected to be finished or near completion in early December. Simon Smith, also with the Badrock Skatepark Association, said if the park is about 95 percent ready by early December, additional work may be needed in the spring to spruce up the area.

Groundbreaking on the Fenholt Park project site took place at the end of August.

Rebecca Powell, a Badrock Skatepark Association board member, said contractor Dreamland Skateparks has brought additional crew members and progress has continued at a good pace. Powell’s understanding is that the Oct. 20 break-in slowed things down but couldn’t stop progress completely, with crews getting on with it soon after moving to concrete work and using trowels.

An estimated tens of thousands of dollars worth of tools were stolen from a storage container, including welders, rebar guns, drills and saws. Anyone with information is asked to call the Columbia Falls Police Department.

The Badrock Skate Park Association and Dreamland Skateparks are each offering $500 for a combined $1,000 reward for information leading to the return of the tools.

While the process of going through the various administrative and logistical steps was a lengthy process, Powell described the rapid progress since construction began.

“Once they started moving the dirt there, the process was so fast that every time I drive up there I’m like, ‘Oh my God, this is really happening.’

Meanwhile, Powell said enthusiasm continues to grow, including among younger skaters like her 10-year-old son.

“It’s really cool to see it come to fruition.”

(email protected)m