Thunder Bay received the PRO Award of Excellence in Design for the Marina Skateboard Plaza. TBSC members Pia Erkkila, Chris Bayko, David Vass, and Myles Cizmar accepted the award last month at the ceremony in Niagara Falls
In 2005, the City of Thunder Bay began working with a group of youth interested in improving a neighbourhood-based skateboard park. Back then, six of the city’s seven skateboard parks were designed for more introductory levels of abilities and a small number of participants, and the seventh, more challenging park was deteriorating and out of date. The group formed the Superior Skateboard Coalition (later renamed the Thunder Bay Skateboard Coalition) and with the City’s support, decided instead to spearhead the construction of a new, larger, safer park with elements for skateboarders, BMXers and inline skaters of all levels of ability.
The location selected for the park was Prince Arthur’s Landing at Marina Park, a 40-acre waterfront park that had already been identified as needing extensive revitalization. Following some well-attended public open houses and design workshops that provided critical information and feedback, the hard labour soon commenced, ultimately resulting in a world class skateplaza that integrates function and versatility with a unique design that includes a “Classic California” style pool bowl, three dynamic public art projects, new landscaping, and seamless integration of the conplete development into that surrounding park and trail system. The plaza opened in June 2009 and is now a hub of local youth activity.
http://www.prontario.org
http://tbsc.ca/gallery/?album=5&gallery=5
You may have heard that the Grand Opening was postponed by a week to December 19th. The main reason was due to insurance, which is a slow and complicated process, especially for indoor skateparks. We appreciate your patience and support. Also, we’d like to apologize again to the individuals that came to the skatepark today.
Everyone may skate for free on the Grand Opening, but donations will be appreciated. Bring a helmet since there are a limited amount of rentals available.
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=206784594488
Thanks to all the volunteers for their hard work.
Please stay tuned for any urgent news
The Marina Skateboard Plaza Grand Opening was fun yesterday. The weather wasn’t the greatest and it eventually rained after 2PM. There are some photos on the site now, http://tbsc.ca/gallery or http://tbsc.ca/gallery/?album=5&gallery=5
Check out the sick video posted on SBC. Footage filmed by Damien Gilbert and Chris Johnson.
http://sbcskateboard.com/videos/video:1387/Thunder-Bay-Park-Grand-Opening
I uploaded a short video taken with a Canon PowerShot SD780 camera. There’s about 2 minutes of speeches. Some pool skating by Adam Hopkins and Dakota White. Also a few tricks down the 9 set.
http://www.youtube.com/v/WWQRtG3LKq4
Don’t forget to visit the public TBSC Facebook Fan Page for more updates.
In January we had a very successful fundraiser show at Kilroy’s for the skate plaza. On February 14 we will be having a follow up show at the same venue. The purpose of the shows is to raise money for lighting at our new skate plaza. It’s also a good excuse to get together during the long winter months that Thunder Bay has to offer. These shows will be the first of many events leading up to the grand opening of the plaza this June.
Click on the link and rsvp to the show.
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=50250435682&ref=ts
I know this whole 807 area code has been waiting for this. We finally have a date. Saturday, November 1 at Noon there will be a small ceremony, followed by a kick ass day of skating. You know everyone has had these tricks and lines in their heads for months now, and it’s all going to go down at once. It’s going to be a crazy weekend!
