After the interesting B&W photo dug up by Claire the other day got so many comments Claire added a link to a fascinating colour photo of the skatepark interior as it was before the 1970s changes. The photo shows the unchanged bandstand and also shows that the rink was originally twice the size and covered the space which became the concrete bowls. As far as definitions of the word ‘skatepark’ go, Southsea Skatepark has to arguably be the oldest in the world.
A visiting professional skateboarder commented earlier this year that the rink surface is one of the best skatepark surfaces he has ever skated. Personally, I totally agree and would love to skate the park how it once was…
boneless
15 December
This is amazing.
Wouldn’t it be great to make some kind of photographic record – a book or gallery show – charting the skate history of the park – from these images – through to the 70’s – 80’s (visits by the bones brigade etc ) – 90’s to now.
There have been some amazing images taken there over the years – it would be great to see them in one place celebrating this unique place.
“Arguable the oldest skatepark in the world!!”
(And I guess contained within the story of the park you would also have a potted history of skateboarding and bmx. Pretty cool)
claire sambrook
16 December
yes in the pipeline a book and video. See the comments on the previous posting about the vintage park pics. I also had a quote from Tony Hawk last week and plan for an exhibition of vintage – current skateboarding designs next year. So yes this will happen : []
Sarah Brown
17 December
We’re opening a cafe at the skatepark in the new year and have room for 4 canvas’, approx 60×80 cm on our wall space. If anyone has any images that would look good please get in touch.