The Destruction of China Creek Skate Park
China Creek skate park in Vancouver, built 1979 and said to be the first skate park in BC (and one of the oldest in North America), is threatened under a new city park bill to renew the area. The plan is to demolish the skate park with pools and ramps and put a playground in its stead. The "skateboard spirit" would be preserved, presumably, by adding an area designed for young kids to practice skateboarding.
I went there last night to check it out, and the place is absolutely magical. It's all built within a circular perimeter with a chest-high fence around it. There is one completely circular pool that I can't wait to go ride as soon as this rain stops (I'm guessing it's easier to learn pool riding in a symmetrical pool). Then there's a funkier shaped one next to it (the "Teacup"). What really blew me away though, are the seemingly home made ramps that use the perimeter fence as coping! It's just such a smart DIY design, and I could literally feel the love poured into this place. It made me sad and angry that this place with its significant cultural and historical values would go to its demise because of urban planners and a few complaining neighbors.
Now, I understand that the main issue concerning this area is that the neighbors think the skatepark is a) noisy and b) filled with drunken littering bastards. As to the former complaint, the money alotted to either move the bowls or, which is now more likely, get rid of them altogether, could be used to build a sound wall toward the nearest houses. As to the latter, the drunken bastards are usually not the skaters (unless they're having a competition, I've gathered), and lately, the skaters have come together to make sure thah the skate park area is clean to show the neighbors that a peaceful coexistence is possible.
The comment has also been made that, due to the nature of the area, without the presence of older skateboarders in the park, it may become a haven to injection junkies. Imagine a playground with needles nestling in the sand.
I really want this valuable spot to be saved! Is there anyone out there with a plan?
Nerve Magazine - China Creek nostalgia (scroll down to the bottom 2 stories)
I went there last night to check it out, and the place is absolutely magical. It's all built within a circular perimeter with a chest-high fence around it. There is one completely circular pool that I can't wait to go ride as soon as this rain stops (I'm guessing it's easier to learn pool riding in a symmetrical pool). Then there's a funkier shaped one next to it (the "Teacup"). What really blew me away though, are the seemingly home made ramps that use the perimeter fence as coping! It's just such a smart DIY design, and I could literally feel the love poured into this place. It made me sad and angry that this place with its significant cultural and historical values would go to its demise because of urban planners and a few complaining neighbors.
Now, I understand that the main issue concerning this area is that the neighbors think the skatepark is a) noisy and b) filled with drunken littering bastards. As to the former complaint, the money alotted to either move the bowls or, which is now more likely, get rid of them altogether, could be used to build a sound wall toward the nearest houses. As to the latter, the drunken bastards are usually not the skaters (unless they're having a competition, I've gathered), and lately, the skaters have come together to make sure thah the skate park area is clean to show the neighbors that a peaceful coexistence is possible.
The comment has also been made that, due to the nature of the area, without the presence of older skateboarders in the park, it may become a haven to injection junkies. Imagine a playground with needles nestling in the sand.
I really want this valuable spot to be saved! Is there anyone out there with a plan?
Nerve Magazine - China Creek nostalgia (scroll down to the bottom 2 stories)
posted by Per at
9:03 AM
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