The Regina Skateboarding Coalition wanted an indoor place to skate, the REAL District had 15,000 square feet: can we make it any more obvious?
The coalition is thrilled to see the grand opening today for the Heritage Skateboard Park, located in the Canada Centre building at the REAL District.
“This is great,” said David Chapados, vice president of the coalition. “This is something skateboarders have been working towards to have a new indoor space and everybody is incredibly excited for it.”
A former location was demolished in 2013.
Chapados is looking for an affordable and safe place to skateboard for all skaters and abilities. He likens the new park to the older one that he enjoyed growing up.
“It was low cost, and someone could spend all day skateboarding, hanging out with my friends in a good safe environment,” he said. “We’re hoping to recreate that same set.”
There will be rental equipment and helmets in next week, and the summer there are day camps and instruction in the planning stages.
Sunday afternoon is an inclusive day for female and LGTBQ skaters presented by Regina skateboarding group Femmes Across the Board.
Phase 1 of the physical location is complete now, with ledges and landing pads, among other things Phase two including more transition-based obstacles like quarter pipes and mini-ramps and will be coming soon.
Chapados said the city of Regina and the REAL district have been big supporters of the project.