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
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.