Gulleden Skate Spot

Gulleden Skate Spot

Gulleden Park

Gulleden Dr behind the Burnhamthorpe Community Centre

This park isn't even open yet but it's gone viral.

A local skater posted a clip of the skate stoppers on the back of a ledge, then revealed 'it's on the freaking skatepark!'

So I had to figure out where this park is, which took about 10 mins.

When I went to check it out, I found the park is still not open to the public. Soo....I threw on a hi-vis vest and 'Tested' the skatepark.

Here's the good and bad - It's a beginner skate spot so the small features are not the issue.  The surface finish is not what a professional skatepark company would leave as the riding surface. It reminds me of the new RIM skate spot where the spot is perfect and the outer decks have a bit of a texture.  It's better that the old Gore Meadows broom finished 'crete.

The smaller features are appropriate for learning.

My working theory is that the General Contractor, Mopal, built the spot with no skater or skatepark company input. 

The biggest issue is the lack of coping in this ledge.

I can forgive the low rail as it's designed for learning. I'd actually try a 50-50 if I ever go back. The tall part is a standard 14".

The curb is pretty blocky with no coping.

I'll also mention that to get enough speed to boardslide the down rail, I had to start from the other side of the path. Not impossible but it shows the amatureness of this build.  NOTE - Mopal has a few skatepark projects including Neilson Skatepark (Newline Design) but they appear to have free-balled this one.

The Park got a big update and there's a few other ledges that'll be great if they don't get capped.

Doing what I do best (or at least pretty good), I've put an email into the City of Mississauga, contacting the Parks Dept, Project Staff and the Local Ward Councillor.

updates as I get 'em! 

Update 1 - I had a reply from the local councilor and as suspected, the first thing I was asked was my address.

It seems like the locals are also mobilizing and I'm willing to give them any help I can. I found in the Parks Master Plan the line 

Maybe they need a reminder. It's amazing how the eye of a skater could have improved this project. 

Here's the original.

Here's how it was actually constructed. There's also a wider gap between the spot & the basketball court. I've heard it from a few people that there should have been a small Quarter Pipe. I agree but doubt it'll be added so late in the project and do we really want a QP from a company that didn't know enough to put coping in the ledge?

And here's what the spot could have been if skaters/professional builders had been consulted.  It's the same beginner level spot with a quarter pipe. This repositioning eliminates the need for skaters to cross the walking path on the approach to the bank to rail.  

but what do I know *cough world record holding 80 skateparks in one day*

Oshawa Bike Park

Oshawa Bike Park

Rose Valley Community Park

Thornton Rd N at Deer Valley Dr

It's finally open! The park rocks.

Job well done Transitions Bike Parks & Melfler Construction.

Advanced Track has 3 kickers!

Beginner Pump Track with Shade Structure and repair station.

The Intermediate Track has a kicker and is lots of fun. 

There's a Mountain Bike Skills Course and a massive MTN Bike Trail as well. Not to mention the rest of Rose Valley Community Park includes a Playground, Sensory Garden and Pickleball courts (which were empty btw).

New Tecumseth Pump Track

New Tecumseth Pump Track

Riverdale Park

Fletcher Cres

Alliston, ON

After years of advocacy and fundraising for the multi-million dollar concrete skatepark, the township tossed a prefab pumper on the dirt and patted themselves on the back. 

The skatepark project seems DOA. 

I really question the need for four signs for the track.

Just up the hill from the neglected skatepark.

Stefan Wenek Skatepark

 Stefan Wenek Skatepark

@ Bob MacQuarrie Recreation Complex

1490 Youville Rd

Orleans, ON

A new concrete park designed by NewLine Skatepark,  replaces the old pre-fab on rough asphalt.  There's a lot to like here including ledges, stairs, a deep bowl with pool coping and a mini-ramp.  It's really well put together and a great use of some of the old ramps.

Oh yeah.  This is my 600th Skatepark!

This bank/QP pocket is like a mini North Bay.

Thanks guys.

This hubba was the perfect ender for my day. I could have hit any of the several hubba in the park but this poised a challenge with avoiding the grass on the exit. Some spills were had but I got my ended cleanly.

Using the siding from the old ramps as a shade structure: Genius!!!

The old park had a lot of jersey barriers around it and that theme was included in the new park. It's encircled with barriers that create the planters, retaining walls and a few ledges in the park.