Skate culture comes alive at Kitchener’s new mobile indoor skatepark
Once temperatures drop and snow falls, skateboards are often stored away for the season, but the City of Kitchener is hoping to change that with its first indoor mobile skatepark.
The indoor skatepark offers anyone 8 years old and above a supervised space every Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Queensmount Arena. The ice surface no longer exists at the arena after it was decommissioned a few years ago and transitioned into a place for ball hockey and lacrosse. Now, skateboarding can be added to that list.
"There was this desire to find a safe spot in the winter for young people to practice their skills," said Lori Palubeski, the program and resource services manager for the City of Kitchener.
The indoor skatepark is a temporary installation that uses the popular summer mobile skatepark, which features ramps, rails and boxes. City staff said the set up takes about 20 to 25 minutes.
The cost is $2 per person and helmets are mandatory. If you don't own a helmet, skateboard or scooter, you can borrow one from the arena.
The move to bring the mobile skatepark inside is a move many skaters are praising.
"If it's especially snowy or something, you're putting your board at risk and nobody wants to do that," said Jack, one of the skateboarders who attended the first indoor drop-in session.
Skaters are praising the idea to bring the mobile skatepark inside. (CTV News/Spencer Turcotte)
"You can't actually skate outside and snow ruins skateboard," said Henry Shin, another skateboarder.
The city recognized a gap when it comes to a space like this in Waterloo region. Many local skaters said their closest option is CJ's Skatepark in Mississauga after Guelph's indoor skatepark, The Ward, shut down.
"Our skate staff are part of the skate culture and they've been engaging with young people. They have about 180 people that are interested in a second night," said Palubeski.
For now, with one week between each indoor skate session, people have plenty of time to plan out their favourite trick sequences.
"An extensive line on the A-frame. Probably like fakie tre-flip and then front cab flip to a nose slide and then like a 360 off a stair set," said Steven, one of the skateboarders who has several years of experience.
But the space is meant for beginners too. If anyone is looking to pick new tricks, they can look for staff in a green shirt who can help out.
The local skate community hopes this is just the beginning when it comes to skateboarding indoors. Given the amount of interest, many want to see a permanent indoor skatepark brought to the region.
"It would be an investment into future Olympic athletes," said Josh Fine, the team lead for the mobile skatepark.
The installation uses the popular summer mobile skatepark, which features ramps, rails and boxes. (CTV News/Spencer Turcotte)
In the meantime, skaters are stoked to have this as an option. Many feel their mission to bring a permanent space to the tri-cities will mirror the approach of landing a new trick – even if you fail, just keep trying.
The indoor skatepark will run until March 9, 2023, with a holiday closure from Dec. 15 to Jan. 12. Outdoor skateparks at The Aud, McLennan Park and Fischer Park will also remain open through the winter depending on the weather.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.