New addition welcomed at Edenvale skatepark

Skaters can look forward to a new addition to Edenvale skatepark, built not by the municipality, but rather by those who love the sport and hobby.

Built by friends, brothers and pioneers Jarryd and Brandon Barnard and Pieter Retief not only hope to improve skateparks in the greater Johannesburg area but also hope to make the sport more accessible.

The grind ledge was built at the start of May by the trio and is the second project of theirs.

Before the brothers and Pieter built the new ledge, a basic ledge, which skaters could not grind on, existed in its place.

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They also recently finished a project at Empire Skatepark, Parktown.

Jarryd said the costs of the projects were from their own pockets with some assistance from Red Bull.

“Now that skateboarding is an Olympic sport, we want to make it as accessible for everyone as possible,” explained Jarryd.

Jarryd said as someone who has skated for close to 30 years, he believes he has a good understanding of what is needed to create a good skatepark.

He said at many newly built skateparks, the concrete work is done poorly.

“The finished product is shocking. As someone who works in the construction industry, you can see when the incorrect ratio of concrete was used, when the incorrect trowels were used and when the cement was not treated correctly.”

The brothers explained that after building a concrete structure, it needs to be watered daily and as often as possible to ensure it does not crack or have other problems form.

The brothers believe moving forward, municipalities should involve representatives from the skating community in their plans to build skateparks so they are built correctly.

Jarryd and Brandon invited skaters to give them suggestions for additions to add to skate parks.

Contact Jarryd on 078 331 6556 or Brandon on 082 472 8640.

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