Peterborough’s skateboarding community celebrated the official summer launch of the expanded skatepark at Bonnerworth Park with demonstrations, lessons, music and community fundraising.
The event on May 16 featured open skate sessions, instruction from Coy’s School of Skate and demonstrations from the 66 Thieves Skate Team, highlighting the newly expanded facility and its design elements inspired by the Peterborough Lift Lock.
The Peterborough Lions Club also hosted a fundraising barbecue, with proceeds supporting new equipment for the enhanced playground at Kawartha Heights Park.
Dan Post, a lead organizer with the Peterborough Skateboarding Coalition, told PTBOTODAY.ca why this is such an important addition to the community of Peterborough.
Residents of all ages took part in the launch festivities, with beginner and experienced skaters alike using the new features throughout the day. Coy’s School of Skate offered free lessons and tips for participants looking to improve their skills.
The 66 Thieves Skate Team later took over the park with a high-energy demonstration showcasing the possibilities of the expanded space. Free skate and jam sessions followed, with prizes and giveaways provided by 66 Thieves, Flavour Fashion and Drop-in Skateparks.
Post said he is happy to see the public perception of skateboarders and skateboarding shift.
Information was also available during the event about the City of Peterborough’s new skateboarding summer day camp, which is being run in partnership with the Peterborough Skateboard Coalition. Organizers say the camp will build on the momentum created by the skatepark expansion and introduce more young people to the sport.
Councilor Lesley Parnell attended the summer launch and spoke about additional plans for expansions to outdoor recreational parks all over Peterborough.
Now that the summer launch of the skatepark has come, instead of staying inside, come out to the Bonnerworth skatepark to try something new just in time for the summer heat to set in.
(Written by: Branden Rushton)
