Richmond Green Revitalization Project

 Richmond Green Revitalization Project

At the Design Open House for the Lake Wilcox Skatepark (IDK how many years ago - Found it. It was June of 2016), a city staff member told me that the skatepark at Richmond Green was nearing its end of life.  I've been skating there since at least 2008.  I'm pretty sure the ramps are ramps are from a company called Ramparts, which hasn't existed since 2014.   Today (Feb 11, '25) I discovered the plans for Revitalization of Richmond Green include decommission of the old metal skatepark.  I did not find any info on anything new so I sent an email.  Later in the day, I found what I wanted to see, info about a new skatepark, and sent another email asking if I could be of assistance. UPDATE - I've been added to the 'Notification List' for the project by the Project Manager. 

Given that the metal ramps are very noisy and the area to the north of the current skatepark will become residential, I'm not surprised the skatepark is being relocated to a more central location within Richmond Green Park.  This also made it harder to find in the materials as it is part of the Youth Sports Area and not listed as 'Skatepark'.

One major concern is the new space vs the old space.  The current park has a very large footprint while having the obstacles quite spread out.  The new Lake Wilcox skatepark is about the same size but the obstacles are more compact.  Richmond Green is popular for BMX as the mini-ramp is large with a spine and other obstacles cater to bikes.  RG also is able to host large groups. I've seen summer camps & rollerskater groups of 30 people use the park without it feeling cramped.  

Still difficult to find but it's the Yellow spot in the middle of both concepts is the Youth Area meaning the proposed area is roughly half the size of the current park.  I'm hoping the new park will be able to be used by the same large groups that currently use the metal skatepark.

Check out the Project and Survey HERE.

SPIN Skatepark

 SPIN Skatepark

Amazing skatepark on the 2nd floor featuring a massive street style layout with features for all skill levels.  First floor features 2 mini-ramps, bowl and some additional ledges and rails.  There's also a fully equipped skate shop with everything from boards to gear.

9520 Boulevard Leduc Suite 05, Brossard, Quebec

This rail and I are in an unhealthy relationship.

Password: WeSellPain

that's definitely what I walked away with.

SPIN as viewed from our Hotel

Da Boys

We Hit EMPIRE too!

more like Best 49😂 

On Deck Skateboard Shop

On Deck Skateboard Shop

141 Bentley Ave

Operating Since 1988!

Fantastic shop with a great mini in the back.

Woburn Park Skate Spot

Woburn Park Skate Spot

The City of Toronto is planning a skate spot in this park in the Markham & Ellesmere area. They are a little behind in putting out the survey so perhaps they need some encouragement.  It's 2025 and I'm back on my bull$#!t.😜

 Woburn Park Skate Spot - The city is comparing this project to West Lodge & Smithfield. Survey was supposed to be out Dec '24. 

Now the Skate Spot has been delayed to Fall 2026 & M. still has not responded.

West Lodge Skatepark

Hi M from Toronto

I am excited to hear about the Woburn Park Skate Spot project.  I'm a local skatepark advocate and I promote skatepark projects on my blog and social media.  I have received a lot of feedback on recent Toronto projects and I hope reaching out to you with some information will help.

Firstly, the skateparks the project is being compared with, West Lodge and Smithfield, are not very well liked parks. I understand the comparison is more about scale but I'd consider using Fundy Bay or Neilson Skatepark as a better examples.  West Lodge is a pre-cast park with several design flaws (no deck on the QP & the crushed gravel between the weird hip gap) and Smithfield, being metal pre-fab, is very loud when in use.  

Fundy Bay Skatepark

Secondly, I've received a number of requests for a Mini-Ramp or transition based spot.  A small transition based skate spot would be great for younger users on skateboards, scooters and toddle-bikes while giving users of all ages and skills something to skate.  Transition parks are usually more quiet as boards aren't hitting rails or dropping off stairs.  Oakville's Cornwall Rd Skate Spot is a great example of one of these type of parks.  A simple open bowl attracts riders to McKinney Skatepark in Whitby. 

Cornwall Rd Skate Spot in Oakville

McKinney Skatepark Open Bowl in Whitby

I hope this information assists you as the consultations get started. Please reach out to me if you have any questions. I've attached links to the skatepark examples on my blog. The Skateboarding community is looking forward to the survey and completed project.  One company I must caution you on is Canadian Ramp Company.  I have kept careful record of their projects across Ontario and their concrete work has been far below industry standard and their pre-fabricated ramps have issues with damage and excessive noise.

Thank You

Scott