The Wellington City Council Skate Programme was developed in response to the 2017 Play Spaces Policy and subsequent engagement with local skate communities (1.1MB PDF).
We know skate is growing in popularity, and that people are looking for different ways to be active and connect and we want to support the skate community to thrive. As such, we have a diverse programme of work to ensure our facilities are up to scratch, the public appreciates the benefits of skating, the community is supported, and skating is designed into our city, rather than out.
Focus areas
Destination skatepark
A feasibility study for the destination skatepark was completed in 2022. This led to the allocation of $5.64M towards the development of a destination skate park in 2023/24 in Kilbirnie Park. Planning for this project is in progress as part of the Kilbirnie Park open space upgrade.
Skatepark renewals
We are conscious our skateparks need to be renewed. In 24/25 we will be focussing on assessing and analysing our current skatepark network. This work is a result of submissions from the Skate Community in the 2024 Long-Term Plan. The submissions asked for feasibility studies for both Waitangi and Ian Galloway Ramps.
Council officers supported the submission, and also recommended wider network analysis as part of this work. This planning work will assess the current provision, functionality and condition of regional, community and local skate assets relevant for Wellington City residents. It will also include recommendations for strategic investment for gaps in provision, as well as renewals and operational investment.
This will inform specific recommendations and cost estimates for Waitangi Park and Ian Galloway Park. This work is due to be completed by early 2025.
Skateparks we have already renewed include:
Skateable city
In our 2020 Skate Engagement Report we heard loud and clear that people want to be able to skate in the city. Urban skateboarding is an essential part of the culture in Aotearoa and is where many people want to push themselves and improve their abilities.
Rock climbers may train in a gym, but the real joy and challenge come from scaling outdoor rock faces. Ocean swimmers love the sea, not the pool. It is much the same for street skaters. They may learn and practise in parks, but the challenges and excitement come from interacting with the urban environment in new and creative ways.
Street sections of skateparks merely mimic what is found in cityscapes. Traditionally, skate activities have been intentionally designed out of urban areas through the use of hostile architecture, such as skate stoppers, rough surfacing and anti-skate signage.
In Wellington we are trying to change this, by actively advocating for skate to be included on public space upgrades, and working with the community to add temporary and permanent spots into our cityscape.
We Skate Pōneke
Our 2020 engagement also told us that skateboarders wanted to be more accepted and less stigmatised. Working with the community, we developed the We Skate Pōneke brand.
This citywide campaign involved posters, online content and temporary, custom made skate obstacles. The aim was to promote the benefits of skating and challenge negative public perceptions of skaters around the city. For more information on this visit the We Skate Pōneke page.
DIY Parks
Here in Wellington we have two DIY (do it yourself) skateparks. These are known as Treetops and Owen Street DIY. These parks are built and maintained by the skate community and are important spaces for the scene.
Our engagement found the most popular skatepark in Wellington was Treetops in Newtown. Seeing the importance of these spaces, the Council have signed Memorandums of Understanding with both these sites in order to ensure they are safe and well maintained. They are supported with rubbish removal and materials when needed.
Community support
Wellington City Council work closely with the skate community through the Wellington Skateboarding Association, Skated. Skate School, Wozer and Waahine Skate. If you are interested in being involved in any of the work above, email: wellingtoncityskate@wcc.govt.nz