Skatepark dream slowly becomes reality
“Things are slowly getting there. The community has really supported us, even some of the original graffiti artists returned to showcase some of their work,” said Dean.
When the NEWS last spoke to Dean Backos in August he and his brother Mathew had just signed a lease with the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) and taken over the responsibility of Edenvale Skatepark as its new tenants.
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In the three months since the Bedfordview brothers have been hard at work improving the facility with the assistance of the community.
Dean explained that since starting the endeavour of rejuvenating the facility, they have been supported wholeheartedly by the community and the municipality.
“Things are slowly getting there. The community has really supported us, even some of the original graffiti artists returned to showcase some of their work,” said Dean.
“When we started, we wanted to create a space for skaters and the community to come together and help each other.”
The facility, which has officially been renamed 011 Skatepark, now has running water and electricity, bathroom facilities and basins.
Speaking on the name of the park, Dean said it pays homage to the Johannesburg and greater East Rand area.
He said when people hear the number 011, they generally know which area it is.
Most exterior renovations of the buildings have been completed, while work is underway to complete the renovations of the interior of the remaining buildings.
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Once completed, the facility will boast a shop that serves healthy meals, a skate shop and lockers for skaters to secure their belongings.
Dean said something which was widely welcomed was the installation of new floodlights, which saw the return of night skating sessions on Friday and Saturday evenings.
When the night sessions are held, approximately 30 to 40 skaters attend.
“It’s so heartwarming to see the community’s interest and involvement. It shows how much they wanted the night sessions to return.”
Although most of the improvements were done by the brothers, Dean explained the unblocking of the drains at the park was done by CoE.
He added that the maintenance of the lawn on the property is also being done by the municipality.
“Ever since we took over the facility as its new tenants, we have seen a larger municipal presence at the skatepark,” explained Dean.
“We also see more police vehicles driving past.”
Following the renovations of the buildings, the brothers are set to start renovations of the skating area in the weeks to come.
Already an addition, a manual, “manny” pad created by community member Rudi Jeggle, who has also created several kickers for the park, has been added.
“Some things might change, there are plans to bring in an A-frame and a halfpipe,” said Dean.
“The plan is to fix the skating area and fix everything, keeping the history and improving the existing elements in the park.”
He said the brothers plan to add some speed to the park.
When the NEWS last spoke to Dean, he said there were plans to create a beginner section in the park for new skaters.
Although this still is the plan, he said the brothers are taking their time and do not want to rush anything.
“This is all a learning process; we want to create a park of high standard. A place where the community and skaters can have fun and showcase their skills.”
Follow the skatepark’s progress on Instagram @011_Skateworld.
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