Back in 2022, I wrote a blog post titled Canberra needs new skateparks, skate spaces, and a skateboarding + skatepark strategy, highlighting my love for Canberra’s skateboarding scene and why we desperately need new skateparks.
A lot has happened since then. While we’ve kept updates flowing through Canberra Skateboarding Association’s social media, I figured it’s time to take a pause as we step into 2025, summarize everything in a new personal blog post, and share some personal insights.
First off, the Belco Bowl Jam has grown bigger than ever. It’s still put together by a group of dedicated locals during their spare time, despite its growing size and scale. Big shout-out to Jim Fowlie, Tony Caruana, Potty (Matt Chamberlain), Scott Brown, and everyone else who pitches in. This event has put Canberra (namely Belco) on the international skateboarding map and convinced local politicians of the value of a skate-friendly city.
Photo: Thrasher Magazine
Canberra Skateboarding Association is charging along with running those volunteer-led, free Learn to Skateboard sessions at Canberra skateparks. We’ve been doing this so long (over 10 years) that some kids from the first sessions are now adults who help out themselves. Being part of these sessions is one of the most fulfilling things in my life, and we plan to keep going as long as we can.
That old blog post caught the attention of local media, resulting in heaps of stories. I was a bit overwhelmed by the response and, for a while, felt like I was having the same conversation repeatedly across local newspapers, radio, and TV.
I believe that blog stirred up conversations and was one of the catalysts for the ACT Government announcing an Inquiry into Skateboarding and Skate Parks in the ACT. This inquiry was a huge deal for skateboarding and skatepark infrastructure here in Canberra. It showed that the ACT government really took these issues seriously. This was the most significant opportunity ever to have a say in shaping the future of skateparks in the ACT. We tried our best to represent a range of ideas and opinions, but it was also essential that the inquiry heard from more than just us. Canberra Skateboarding Association submitted this submission, and the other submissions are worth checking out too! After our submission, Tony Caruana and I were invited to speak at an ACT Legislative Assembly hearing. It was pretty wild to have our discussions about skateboarding officially recorded in the ACT Parliamentary hansard.
The report from this inquiry presented numerous recommendations to the ACT Government, which they must address individually. One recommendation that stood out to me is the prohibition of skate stoppers in newly built public spaces, unless their use can be justified. This is a significant step forward in making Canberra a more skate-friendly city.
A new competition spec. vert ramp was built at Belco. This all started with an open letter from CSA to election candidates, where we advocated for better maintenance and a comprehensive skatepark strategy, with the inclusion of a vert ramp suggested by Dave Pang and the CROSS ( Canberra Region Old School Skateboarders ) crew. To be honest, I was surprised that the ACT Gov chose to prioritize the vert ramp, especially so late in their term, given how big of a project it was. While I believe that new skateparks instead might have served more local skaters and seen more frequent use, I’m genuinely happy for vert enthusiasts. This ramp opens up opportunities for events and encourages more people to dive into the world of vert skating if they want to have a go.
CSA kicked off an official Petition to the ACT legislative assembly for the redevelopment of Tuggeranong skatepark. This wasn’t just your typical online petition. It needed a local politician to sponsor it, was hosted on a government website, and only Canberra residents could sign it. Despite these hurdles, 776 locals stepped up, and we were stoked with the turnout. Still, the government’s first reaction was pretty much a “no.” They did give the skatepark a re-surface, which breathed some new life into the old skatepark, but I initally worried that the re-surface was just a consolation prize after the government decided not to do anupgrade.
Then the 2024 ACT election cycle began
Laura Nutall of the ACT Greens moved a motion calling for a comprehensive upgrade and redevelopment of the Tuggeranong skatepark, including expansion and modernisation, and begin work no later than the 2026-2027 financial year. To our delight, Greens, Labor and even the Liberals unanimously supported the motion.
So, Tuggeranong is definitely getting something new, but weāre not sure what it’s going to look like yet. Iām guessing we’ll all get a chance to share our thoughts when the government gets around to doing consultations and design work. There are some unhelpful rumors that Tuggeranong is definitely getting torn down. If you’re worried, I can assure you that everyone in the community will have a say in what the upgrade looks like. It might look like an extension, keeping parts of the old park. Nothing’s set in stone yet. Personally, I think thereās nothing irreplaceable in the old park, and the popular elements could be rebuilt even better. When we started the petition, the Backbone BMX crew shared the petition with their followers and supported it. With the right design and enough funding, hopefully, Tuggeranong skatepark gets an upgrade that everyone will be happy with.
Throughout the remainder of the election cycle, Tony Caruana and I, representing the CSA, engaged with local politicians to advocate for the development of new skateparks.
Once the new ACT government was established, we shared a social media post to update everyone on who made promises in their relevant electorates and who should be held accountable over the next 4 years:
2024 ACT Election Winners and their Skatepark Promises
- Comprehensive upgrade of Tuggeranong Skatepark
- New Skatepark for Jacka ( Gungahlin )
- New Skatepark for Kippax ( Belco )
- Upgrade for Charnwood Bowl ( Belco )
Let’s recap for accountability!
Upgrade Tuggeranong Skatepark
Before the election, Laura Nutall from ACT Greens called on the ACT Government to:
(a) commit to a comprehensive upgrade and redevelopment of the Tuggeranong skatepark, including expansion and modernisation, and begin work no later than the 2026-2027 financial year;
(b) co-design the new Tuggeranong skatepark with local skateboarding and BMX organisations and other skatepark user groups;
(c) work with local skating and BMX organisations and other skatepark user groups to develop an ACT Government skatepark strategy;
(d) ensure that the comprehensive upgrade and redevelopment of the Tuggeranong skatepark is included as part of this skatepark strategy;
(e) revisit the proposal of a skate plaza extension into the carpark area of Tuggeranong skatepark; No 129ā28 August 2024 2025
(f) ensure that the Tuggeranong skatepark upgrades improve utility for all potential users, and specifically people with a disability; and
(g) ensure equitable skatepark development across the ACT.
The motion was passed.
Members for Brindabella:
- Deborah Morris ( Liberal ) - morris@parliament.act.gov.au
- Laura Nuttall ( Greens ) - nuttall@parliament.act.gov.au
- Mark Parton ( Liberal ) - parton@parliament.act.gov.au
- Caitlin Tough ( Labor ) - tough@parliament.act.gov.au
- Taimus Werner-Gibbings ( Labor ) - taimus.wg@parliament.act.gov.au
New Skatepark for Jacka ( Gungahlin )
During the election campaign, ACT Labor promised a new skatepark for the suburb of Jacka in Gungahlin if re-elected.
Members for Yerrabi are:
- Andrew Braddock ( Greens ) - braddock@parliament.act.gov.au
- Leanne Castley ( Liberal ) - castley@parliament.act.gov.au
- James Milligan ( Liberal ) - milligan@parliament.act.gov.au
- Michael Pettersson ( Labor ) - pettersson@act.gov.au
- Suzanne Orr ( Labor ) - orr@act.gov.au
New Skatepark for Kippax and Upgrade for Charnwood Bowl
The planning for a new skatepark in Kippax had been underway for several years. ACT Labor pledged to deliver the new Kippax Skatepark and upgrade the Charnwood Bowl if re-elected.
Members for Ginninderra:
- Chiaka Barry ( Liberal ) - barry@parliament.act.gov.au
- Yvette Berry ( Labor ) - berry@act.gov.au
- Peter Cain ( Liberal ) - cain@parliament.act.gov.au
- Tara Cheyne ( Labor ) - cheyne@act.gov.au
- Jo Clay ( Green ) - clay@parliament.act.gov.au
The community is keen for the realization of new and upgraded Canberra skateparks promised during the ACT election. Ask your local MLA about it!
Erindale Brick Banks Chatter
Last year, I jumped on the local podcast “Mustard Flats” to chat all about Canberra skateboarding, and it was an a blast. They made a short Instagram clip of me sharing the story about the Erindale Brick Banks ACT Heritage Nomination. To my surprise, it got loads of attention and engagement. Coincidentally, the ACT Heritage Council updated me that a decision on the heritage nomination was expected soon. Sadly, it’s still stuck in the “nominated” status, with nothing decided since 2017. I want to point out that a heritage nomination wouldnāt stop us from building a new skatepark there. Itās just a way to protect it from being demolished to make room for a supermarket and a road planned for the area. In a perfect world, Erindale would get the Five Dock or Pizzey treatment, with a new skatepark that keeps some of the iconic elements of the old park.
Skate elements in play spaces too!
After years of advocacy, weāre stoked to see skate elements finally making their way back into Canberra neighbourhood playgrounds. Construction starts on the skate plaza obstacles at the new Watson Play Space! Ledges, manual pad, and a slappy curbāall built to Baseplate Design specs!
What’s Next in 2025 and beyond?
We got the government to promise new skateparks in the last election cycle, which was the tough part. Now, we just need to make sure they follow through. When itās time for community consultations, skateboarders need to SHOW UP and have a say in the design consultation process. This could happen anytime between now and 2028.
Exciting times ahead!
-Woody (Brenden Wood)