Photo gallery from the grand opening of the new skatepark/pool at Kensington Park.
We had a good turnout of both kids and neighbours of the community, as well as seasoned skateboarders that were ready to put on a show for the public officials that turned out to see for themselves what an awesome new facility this pool is. Vancouver City Counsellors Andrea Reimer and George Chow, Vancouver-Kingsway MP Don Davies, Vancouver School Board Trustee Mike Lombardi, and Vancouver Park Board Commissioners Sarah Blyth and Stuart MacKinnon all in on hand to show their support for the new skatepark. They were good sports about jumping into the pool for the ribbon cutting, which was pretty cool. Right after the ribbon cutting, the ceremonial cutting of the cake duties were handled by Sarah Blyth and Andrea Reimer. Be sure to see that picture of the cake, it’s a miniature sized version of the new bowl/park, and it was really well done.
Immediately following the cake, Wee Wong, a long-time fixture of Vancouver’s skateboard community donated 200 helmets to those on hand; and some of the helmets will remain at the Kensington Park Community Centre to be shared amongst the park users.
Here’s a few links to stories about the new skatepark:
• The Province — New skate park brings retro California vibe to East Van (http://www NULL.theprovince NULL.com/sports/skate+park+brings+retro+California+vibe+East/3235515/story NULL.html)
• CBC Radio, On The Coast with Stephen Quinn. Interview with Wee Wong — There’s a brand new skate bowl at Kensington Park in Vancouver. Wee Wong knows all about it. He’s been skating in Vancouver for more than 30 years. You can listen to the interview here (http://www NULL.cbc NULL.ca/onthecoast/). (you’ll find the interview at the top of July 7th, you may have to scroll down a bit — runs 6:06)
• The Globe and Mail — A new skate park for sick old-school tricks (http://www NULL.theglobeandmail NULL.com/news/national/british-columbia/a-new-skate-park-for-sick-old-school-tricks/article1626074/)
