Transition Construction and Scatliff+Miller+Murray are out with their concept design for the West Shore Skate Spot. This Spot has been over 7 years in the making (Check out the long process of getting HERE).
The concept includes viewing benches, Pier 7 Ledge, China Banks Ledge Feature, Rail and a Quarter Pipe. There is a SURVEY running for ~2 weeks. Check out the Project and Survey HERE. LetsTalkPickering.ca/skatespot - SURVEY is now CLOSED!
I think this design is amazing and much more than I anticipated. There are, of course, some negative people who either don't like the design or don't like the project.
To the NIMBY's I say - The time to oppose the project has passed.
To the skatepark users who don't like the height of the ledges or think there should be more rails I say - You haven't been involved in the project until now so shut up and support this & I'll support you when you decide to get involved. The success of this project with parlay into more action taken on the Skateboard Park Strategy.
I have no timeline for the decommission of the current skatepark so it's not going anywhere. I'm in full support of continuing (& increasing) the legal graffiti walls but the city has decided this spot won't be a graffiti zone. It may have murals on a permission basis. The West Shore Community Centre already has security cameras and I've heard that more will be added to include the skate spot.
The BIG, Civic Centre park is still in location planning, I've been asked about a spot in Seaton and The Skateboard Park Strategy calls for a total of 2 Big Parks (Downtown and Seaton), 7 Spots (5 in the core, 2 in Seaton) & small parks in rural areas like Claremont if requested by the community.
Anyone Opposed to the project as a whole will probably never change their mind but here are the resources I'd back my arguments with.
1. The Pickering Skateboard Park Strategy
2. The Urban Grind - Skateparks: Neighborhood Perceptions and Planning Realities
Beyond the Board - From The Skatepark Project and University of Southern California
4. Skateboarding, Schools and Society
Alec Beck, Director of Programming of The Skatepark Project (formerly The Tony Hawk Foundation) recently remarked on The National Recreation & Parks Association Podcast that requests for skatepark information is up 700% since the Olympics.
If you don't see an 18" ledge, Mini Ramp or Bowl, don't get upset. Get involved.
To quote Red Green - "Remember, I'm pulling for you. We're All In This Together!'
