THE Hunter’s first professional skateboarder has thrown his support behind a proposal to build an iconic skate bowl on the sand at south Newcastle Beach.
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John Bogaerts approves of Newcastle City Council’s proposal to build a competition-standard skate bowl and street-style skate facilities as part of the next stage of the Bathers Way project.
He said the progressive design would add a new dimension to an already rich local skateboarding culture.
“I think it’s absolutely outstanding,” he said.
“Not just the bowl but the fact that the old park is getting upgraded as well.
“As far as facilities go, we’re probably in front of Sydney once this is built.”
Mr Bogaerts, who played a pivotal role in establishing the skate park at Bar Beach, said he intended to be involved in Newcastle City Council’s consultation process to ensure the design was world class, but also user-friendly for all levels and capabilities.
He said the quality facilities at Empire Park catered for intermediate and advanced skaters, but building something that everybody could use was important. Consultation with local skaters would be vital.
“It is really important that, like Bar Beach, we get the design right,” he said.
Mr Bogaerts had never seen a permanent skate bowl quite like the one proposed by Newcastle City Council.
“It is quite unique,” he said.
“I don’t know how practical it is, but it looks good.”
But Mr Bogaerts did not think sand getting blown into the bowl would be a big problem, as it would have a drainage system.
“We still get sand in the bowl at Bar Beach, and we just hose it out,” he said.
The concept design for the Bathers Way project also includes fitness and parkour equipment.
Owner of Newcastle Skate, Bobbie Antonic, told the Herald she would like to see more detailed plans of the proposed development.
She thought the initial images looked more suited to experienced skaters, and was concerned the facilities would not cater for beginners. She hoped it would offer more street style skating.
“The first thing I noticed was the big pot plant, and I was a bit shocked and surprised,” she laughed.
“Most skaters are street skaters, not everyone can ride the bowl.”
Ms Antonic said skaters often took a broom to the skate park, because it was always covered in sand.
