There's a new skatepark at Bathurst and Fort York, but those who use it are worried it's about to be demolished after they found pylons, orange spray paint, and caution tape there on Friday.
Last November, the folks behind this spot made headlines after their DIY skatepark in the Junction Triangle was razed. Now that they've created a new space, it looks like they might have to rebuild yet again.
In response, they've started an online petition - which they hope to deliver to Councillor Mike Layton - to try to save the Fort York DIY skate spot.
"We’re hoping we can either preserve the space that we’re using now or find another space to use where skateboarders can work together in their community to continually build a park, similar to the ones in Vancouver and Montreal," says journalist and community organizer Nicky Young.
He notes those cities both have DIY skateparks; one in Vancouver, he explains, is run like a community garden. Those who use it, have ownership over it and constantly work to improve it and keep it clean.
In Toronto, he continues,"it’s almost less about skateboarding and more about working towards something for your community in a decentralized way."
Even though Toronto's made strides to improve skateboarding in the city, by adopting a skateboard strategy, for instance, top-down change doesn't happen overnight.
In response to demolition of the skatepark in the Junction Triangle, city council passed a motion to look at opportunities "for DIY skateboard space other skateboard facilities in the west-end of Toronto."
by Amy Grief via blogTO
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