Terrible. Happy. Talks. SIMON BOGALO of Convic Skateparks

I spotted this video just posted up of the Lead Designer at Convic Skateparks in Australia, Simon Bogalo. More than 20 years ago in 2001 I was part of awarding Convic Skateparks an award of Excellence. They have been designing and building some of the worlds best skateparks ever since. This is worth the time to get some insight about how they get them built down under (Its not very different from the USA)

Premiered Aug 25, 2024Ever wondered what it takes to transform an old rubbish dump into a vibrant community skate park? Join us as we sit down with Simon Bogalo, the innovative lead designer at Convic Skate Parks, who shares the intricate process of designing spaces that skaters love. Simon reveals his daily responsibilities, blending creativity and technical skills, and the collaborative efforts with landscape architects, engineers, and local skaters to bring these parks to life. Leon Paxton co-hosts, adding depth to our exploration of how less-than-ideal sites are turned into thriving community hubs.

Discover the fascinating world of skate park design as we highlight the importance of community involvement and the diverse preferences within the skateboarding community. We focus on iconic parks like Glebe Skate Park, showcasing its community-driven design and heritage elements, and clarify the role of the Olympics in the recent surge of skate park constructions. From Sydney Park to Pizzey Park, you’ll hear about the advocacy efforts, the passion behind these projects, and the homage paid to historic street spots.

Listen in as we explore the challenges and evolution of skate park design, emphasizing the balance between community desires and innovative features. Simon shares the struggles of working with unsuitable materials, rising costs, and the deep emotional connection skaters have with urban landscapes.

Enjoy, Shan