Memorial Water Fountain Honouring Matthew Framst Coming to Silvercreek Skatepark

A new feature coming to Silvercreek Skatepark is about more than just providing water for visitors. The project honours Matthew Framst, whose memory continues to make an impact in the community.

A new drinking fountain and bottle-filling station is being installed at Silvercreek Skatepark in memory of Matthew Framst, a Guelph man who died in a motorcycle crash in 2022.

Work on the memorial fountain began Tuesday at the west end of the skatepark. Once complete, it will provide skateboarders, park visitors and trail users with access to drinking water and a place to refill bottles.

Framst spent a lot of time at Silvercreek Skatepark, where users had long requested a water fountain. After his death, his mother, Tania Framst, started a fundraising campaign to help bring the project to life in his honour.

The community raised more than $28,000 toward the memorial fountain, including donations through a GoFundMe campaign and additional contributions provided directly to the family.

The total project cost is estimated at $59,725, with the City of Guelph covering the remaining amount.

Matthew Framst was 19 years old when he died following a motorcycle crash on Grange Road in 2022.

According to the city, installation work is expected to take approximately two weeks. A section of nearby trail will be closed during construction.

Silvercreek Skatepark opened in 2016, and requests for a drinking fountain began shortly after the park opened.