Skateboarders celebrate Skate Park’s 25th anniversary in Barrie

The Barrie Skateboard Association (BSA) hosted a unique competition at the City's Skate Park on Saturday to celebrate its 25th anniversary, which showcased the park's importance and the growth of skateboarding in the region.

"It's a multi-generational piece of city infrastructure, I grew up here, and now I bring my kids here," said Corey Henderson, the BSA's president. "It's a pretty unique playground in the City of Barrie."

The park within Queen's Park has been where the BSA has taught multiple generations of skateboarders how to skate and find joy in a sport that teaches lessons beyond 'Ollie's' and 'Kickflips.'

"It's not [about] only skateboarding, it's about life," said Maksim Konopada, an 18-year-old skateboarder who moved to Alcona from Ukraine two years ago. "[If] something stops you, make sure it doesn't stop you again. Keep pushing."

Maksim was one of around 50 skateboarders who participated in Saturday's competition. Judges picked winners in 12-and-under, teen and 19-plus categories.

10-year-old Nathan Frankcom finished first in the 12-and-under category.

"When you land a trick, it just feels amazing," said Frankcom with a big smile. "That's what makes me want to keep skateboarding."

12-year-old Lucy Goodman finished second behind Frankcom. She hopes to inspire other young girls to try her favourite sport.

"Skateboarding is so amazing because you can do it as a group, but if you don't have any girls to skate with, it's a lot tougher," admitted Goodman. "I think young girls need an inspiration to see."

The area's Ward 2 Councillor Craig Nixon recognized the skatepark's milestone and future as skateboarding continues to grow.

"It means a lot for kids of all ages," said Nixon. "It is a critical piece of our downtown and a critical piece for the city."

The BSA is exploring opening an indoor skateboarding facility that could be used year-round, and the city is considering adding another skate park.

Both are in very early discussion phases.