West Shore scores 91%

With the West Shore Skate Spot Survey closed at a whopping 91% support rate, a report is going to council and requesting the project be fast tracked. Please take the time to contact council with your support. Below is what I will be sending to Council as I will be unavailable at the time of the meeting, working on my ambulance. If you have the time to send in some a note of support, send it to Council@Pickering.ca 

 Good morning Mr. Mayor and members of Council.

I am writing on behalf of Pickering’s Skateboarders, Skatepark Users and parents of Skatepark users to voice support for the West Shore Community Centre Skateboard Spot. It should be noted that this small spot will not solve all of Pickering’s Skatepark needs but it is the first step. Of course with any project, there has been some negative and unrelated feedback. I have been following the comments on social media and hope to answer some questions and relay other feedback regarding the needs of Pickering residents. 

Skateboarding and skatepark usership has exploded during the pandemic with more people discovering or returning to skateboarding and Skate Shops finding it difficult to keep up with demand. Skateparks are in the top 4 of City facilities in terms of hours of use, just behind Gyms, Pools, and walking trails. 

There were several comments about pump tracks. Pump tracks are rolling, curving trails that are fun for scooters, bikes and skateboards depending on the surface. Many new pump tracks are being made with asphalt and because of their free forms, can be built in areas without disturbing the existing trees. Pump tracks and Flow Parks are great for users who are out for fun without attempting tricks or lines of scooters who play a ‘follow the leader’ game.

Pump Track in Alton.

I have been in contact with two families that suggested multi-use pads that can be flooded in the winter for a skate path. In the summer, Riverdale Skate Pad hosts a skateboard obstacle called a grind box on a section of the trial. A ‘V’ shaped skatepark in Vaughan is connected to a huge flat area that serves as skating rink in the winter

Riverdale Skate Trail.

The City of Fredericton recently announced a Skateboard and Helmet rental program through the cities Public Library. An increased interest in skateboarding has been spurred by the completion of Fredericton's city wide skatepark. While Skateboarding is a relatively low cost activity, this library program allows interested parties of all ages to try skateboarding without committing to the purchase of equipment. https://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/skateboard-rentals-coming-to-fredericton-public-library-1.5435051

There was also a recent Zoom Conference on how skateparks can be adapted to be more accommodating for individuals with disabilities. Adaptive Skateboarding and WCMX (Wheel Chair Moto Cross) are becoming increasingly popular with and Adaptive & WCMX Event being held at this years Dew Tour in Des Moines.

Felipe Nunes skates Men's Adaptive Park in Des Moines.

Several of the public concerns about the West Shore location is it’s security and relation to Bayly Street and Speeding Drivers. A CCTV camera has been suggested and the Skatepark users welcome the idea. The skatepark in Fort Erie is on ‘Nanny Cam’ which is viewable online. The bad behavior of drivers should be adjusted through increased enforcement, preferably a speed camera. One discussion suggested having large landscaping boulders between the sidewalk and the skate spot. This would provide protection in the unlikely event that a car were to leave the road and also provide seating.

Additional Seating by the park in Stratford.

Another concern was for the loss of natural greenspace. As I’m sure Council is aware, a 2014 erosion control project in the Vistula Ravine was using this area as parking for heavy machinery. It was sodded afterward and several trees were planted. This skate spot will not take up the entirety of this sodded area, only a small path. Of the 9 trees planted in 2014, 6 are in poor condition.

As parks continue to be built and redeveloped, the city must consider the needs of Skatepark users. We do not need giant skateparks everywhere but a single obstacle, carefully designed and constructed to withstand the activity of skateboarding, should be included in every park to allow for increased skateboarding opportunities throughout the city.  These obstacles can be simple ledges or multi-use sculptural art. In a few short weeks, Skateboarding will make its debut at the Olympic Games featuring Men and Women from every Continent and ages ranging from 12 to 46!

Skateable 'WOW' sculpture.

Thank you to Council and City Staff who have been working for 6 years on the Skateboard Park Strategy and beyond. Pickering’s pop-up skatepark will undoubtedly be popular this summer. 

I am always available should you have any questions regarding skateparks.

Scott Loyst

Pickering Skateparks Alliance

For more info, check out New Pickering Skatepark Information on Spott Dreams of Skateparks.