Summer 2025 in Pickering

 Summer 2025 in Pickering

It's almost halfway though summer and here's what's happening. Updates at the bottom.

- There was a skate comp announced for Canada Day, utilizing the mobile park. It was announced with 'Free Teen stuff' rules. IDK how it turned out.

- The mobile park/lessons staff is a good person and I hope to pick their brain next time I see them.

- The city has announced a second competition at the Rec Complex Skatepark but has 'forgotten' to tell me despite Rec/Cultural Services saying 'The recreation team is keen to continue working with you on future competitions'

I've been in talks with other locals about having our own jam at the West Shore Skate Spot at the same time but I'm outta town.

WSSS - Down 4 Life

Seaton Rec Centre and Skatepark is on hold due to the ongoing tariff issues.

Finally, some good news.  Pickering is moving ahead with a new skatepark in the hydro corridor, north of Kingston Rd. The RFP is out now and some of the best skatepark builders are looking at it. (also crc)

It's actually been in the works for a while. 

I've seen a bunch of placeholder designs but the final design will be designed after locals input.

UPDATE - 3 Companies are under review. CRC submitted a bid but didn't provide proper documents😂.  The designs are all great. Two of them took cues from the above concept and the other thought outside the box.  The city is still evaluating the bids and public input will go into the final designs.

Another spot in Whitevale is in the planning stage.

UPDATES

Due to a series of unfortunate events, I was around for the Pickering Skate Comp on Aug 16. It was supposed to start at 1 and I showed up around 2pm to find city staff packing up. No one showed. Not one kid.

I had a great discussion with staff and they agreed that the current format is not working.  Moving forward, they are planning an open skate jam event that will include pizza.  I've also suggested best trick jams on different features and filming a mini-edit. Lessons with gear provided would also be great to get new people out. 

With the park to myself, I got some new tricks.