Local skatepark welcomes new supporter
“It’s purely community-driven and 011 was identified by Red Bull as a park that has high growth potential.”
As skateboarding grows in Edenvale, 011 Skatepark announced that it is now supported by Red Bull.
Although it has been in the works for several months, the relationship was made official on August 7.
Dean Backos, one of the founders of 011, said it is an exciting step for the skate park.
According to Backos, it is only 011 and the Shred in Cape Town which is backed by Red Bull.
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He said Red Bull will redo the interior of the coffee shop, will erect new menu boards and signage on the outside and will assist with funding at the park.
“When the Red Bull representatives recently paid the property a visit, they loved the grounds.”
Backos believes one of the reasons the support from Red Bull occurred was because the Johannesburg Skate Club and Girls Skate make use of the facility.
JHB Skate Club, which is Roller Skate South Africa Affiliated, was established when 011 and Girls Skate joined forces.
“Although we don’t have the most branding around the park, JHB Skate Club has attracted skaters from far and wide.”
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Backos estimates that the park averages 400 skaters a month.
“It’s purely community-driven and 011 was identified by Red Bull as a park that has high growth potential.”
Dean said since establishing 011, three jobs were created, numerous indigenous trees were planted and a safe place for the community was created.
“The whole point is to keep it going for the next chapter of its life, which is something I’m looking forward to.
“Now that everything is here, I believe the park is at the point where it can sustain itself.”
Speaking about the ecosystem of creativity that he had wanted to create, Backos said in recent weeks several well-known graffiti artists such as Tapz, Leigh Le Roux and Devo have done murals at the park.
He said the park also has a skate shop, one of the only in the greater area, at the park.
Dean said another integral part of the park’s growth was the formulation of the Edenvale Sports Grounds Committee.
“Once the different sporting codes banded together, the fencing started getting repaired, we regulated who could enter the property and stopped illegal dumping at the sports grounds.
“Although it is safe at the park itself, the assistance of the sports grounds committee has helped create additional safety.”
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Dean said looking to the future he and his brother Mathew want the park to continue being a facility for the community with a Red Bull drawing card.
“Since the beginning, this has been a park for the community, by the community and with the community.
“We are all super amped to see where it goes.”
