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 History-skateboarding in Antigonish |
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History of Skateboarding in Antigonish
updated Jan 27, 2009
A work in progress; if anyone has more info, photos, etc. please send to sk8antigonish@ns.sympatico.ca For more info, please check out the buttons at the top of this page.
March 2010–The quest for a skatepark in Antigonish dates back at least 24 years. According to Mayor Kay Chisholm, "A skateboard park was on the action sheet when I was elected to office in 1986. It has literally been on the go for 20 years. I am ashamed when I see it has been on the action sheet for so long, but we are going to white that out." (Source: Skate park project rolling along, The Casket, Mar 1, 2006 [last paragraph].)
Brian MacGillivray remembers skating as a kid in the '60s.
In June 1989, the Antigonish Skateboarders Association was incorporated. Goal: to develop skatepark. Directors were Bill Dinn, Trevor Dinn, Mary Grant, Marsha Wong and Penny Hemens. The group defaulted in June 1995. (Source: Registry of Joint Stocks Companies Database search)
Trevor Dinn remembers a skatepark at the Antigonish Arena in 1989. "That summer was the year the skatepark was operating at the Arena. We built mini-ramps, street ramps, etc. We even had a contest during the fall-fair."
Trevor's brother Gerard Dinn recalls when he and his friends started skateboarding in the early 80's. In 1986 with the help of his dad (Bill), Gerard and his friends built ramps and a quarter pipe, which they set up on Thompson Street. Gerard was able to name 15 skaters who were involved and said there were many more.*
"We built the 1/2 pipe around '88," Dinn recalls. "We had many neighbor kids use the ramp as well visiters from away. Built ramps ourselves with our own money. Many of the local skaters that used our ramps went on to competitions throughout NS. Ramps lasted until approx 94-95." (Today, Gerard lives near Halifax and is building ramps in his yard for his own kids.)
According to Jason Mason, "the Dinn brothers, Danny Grant and Irving Reddick formed a skateboarding team called 'Tranny'. (The name is blend of Dinn brothers 'Trevor' and 'Danny', and in sk8 jargon, means 'transition'.) John Michalak* was the youngest dude on that team. They did a few demos out of town."
[View videos made by ex-Antigonish skaters Jason Mason and Jamieson Cleary]
Meanwhile, Dan Ross and friends were skateboarding in Arisaig, where he built three half pipes between 1989 and 1993. Dan's halfpipes were 24 feet wide and up to 8 feet high.
This from Kevin Smith: "I grew up in Beaver Meadow, we had a nice half pipe out there. It was built by Eldon Rossong, Blayne Haverkort, Jonathan Clifton, Darcy McGillivray, and myself. We were also regular users of Dan Ross’s out in Arisaig."
In 1990, Town Rec Director Raff Henderson and Shaun Smith helped get the Arena site for a skatepark. Volunteers, including Bill Dinn and sons Gerard, Trent, Trevor and Lyle, built ramps with materials donated by Central Supplies and others, and a monetary donation from Jim's One Stop. (Jim's Onestop owner Jim MacIntyre's two sons Craig and Jimmy were involved.) The Arena location lasted 3-4 years, and the skatepark had to be dismantled every summer and fall for hockey school and the exhibition. The wooden ramps incurred considerable weather damage when stored outside (uncovered) over the winter.
Summer of 1994 marked the genesis of the 863 Clique
*One of Antigonish's best known skateboarders was John Michalak [1974-1997]. After finishing high school, John moved to Whistler, BC so he could continue to pursue skateboarding and snowboarding. According to Jason Mason, Michalak became a pro-snowboarder, sponsored by Fate Snowboards and 686 Outer Wear. As a result of a snowboarding accident on Grouse Mountain in British Columbia, Michalak was admitted to hospital where he died about two weeks later, on February 10, 1997. There was talk of naming the 'skatepark' in Columbus Field after him. (Photo tribute to John Michalak / Video of John Michalak)
On June 3, 1997, 44 skateboarders and parents attended a meeting organized by Town of Antigonish Recreation Director Raff Henderson, to discuss developing a skatepark in Antigonish. Also in attendance were Lauchie MacIsaac (Chair of Town Recreation Committee), Town Constable Shaun Smith, and County Councillors Mary MacLellan and Colin Chisholm. As a result, a steering committee was formed "to develop 1) a preliminary design, 2) rules to govern the use, and 3) fundraising." (Source: Minutes of meeting held June 3, 1997)
Also, in June 1997 the Town of Antigonish passed a bylaw that prohibited skateboarding on public property. The bylaw was enforced by the Town bylaw officer and the RCMP. An infraction resulted in automatic seizure of the offender's skateboard, which wasn't returned until after they paid a fine of $25. The bylaw was enforced for seven years.
In the summer of 1997, following a planning meeting (see above), a skatepark was built in Columbus Field. The skatepark consisted of an asphalt pad, a set of 3 concrete steps and a ramp. Unfortunately the skatepark was so poorly designed that it was largely unused, and evolved into a basketball court. In the fall of 2005 it was bulldozed to make way for improvements to Columbus Field.
Photos of skateboarding at Columbus Field, Apr 20, 2005
These are the only photos we have of the skatepark in Columbus Field; if anyone has more, please send
In December 2002 the Highlanders Skateboard Association was incorporated, spearheaded by Melinda MacKenzie, mother of two skateboarders John and Jesse. [View list of original subscribers]
Enforcement of the Town's bylaw (seizure of skateboards and fines) ceased in 2004, which was the result of a court ruling (Jan. 2004) that found seizure of skateboards to be in violation of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
In the summer of 2004, the Town responded by introducing a stronger bylaw, which if passed, would have prohibited skateboarding on both public and private property including the StFX campus, allowing for fines up to $500 and up to ten days in jail if fines were not paid. Widespread opposition resulted in the proposed bylaw being put on hold (Sept. 2004). Update: Town to ease up on skateboarding, the Halifax Herald, April 26, 2005.
In 2004 HSA changed its name to the Antigonish Highland Skateboarding Association (AHSA). AHSA is working towards the development of a professionally designed concrete skatepark. The group and its support have been growing steadily. (As of Jan 2007, AHSA had 150 members & 433 listserv subscribers.)
Fave skate spots in Antigonish
For more recent history in point form, please click here
(History of AHSA from 2002)
Summer 2004: A temporary skatepark built by volunteer skateboarders and a carpenter was erected in a StFX parking lot beside the Visitor Information Centre. It had a lifespan of only 5 weeks because the StFX needed to reclaim the parking lot. The project was spearheaded by Town Councillor Diane Roberts and RCMP Sgt. Jay MacInnis, and received support from the Town and County, and various local businesses.
To view photos showing construction of the temporary sk8park, please view galleries
Summer 2005 saw the temporary park erected on Broken Board Hill, at the corner of the TCH and Number 7 Highway. In July 2007, the temporary skatepark closed because of lack of insurance.
Needs to be updated
Sources: Gerard Dinn, Stephen Gilllis, Peter MacDonald, Dan Ross, Penny Hemens, Jim MacIntyre, Pauline Michalak, Jason Mason, and Melinda MacKenzie
*Previous Antigonish skaters, recalled by Trevor Dinn:
Trent Dinn, Trevor Dinn, Lyle Dinn, Jason Gillis, Paul Milner, Jason Wervin, Danny Grant, Alex Alto, Cory Sullivan, Trevor Lowthers, Craig Davidson, Sam Lorifice, John Cameron, David MacDonald, Paul MacDonald
Skaters recalled by Jason Mason, a sponsored skateboarder now living in Vancouver, BC:
John Michalak, Chris Chisholm, Jamie Cleary, Ambrose Jessum, Eldon Rossom, Josses (sp?) Young.
Other previous Antigonish skaters:
George O'Brian, Brian MacDonald, Mike Hemens, Shane MacDonald, Patty (Patrick) Rennie, Lee Wong, Troy MacDougall, Dan Ross, Stephen Gillis, Peter MacDonald, Jarett Vanderburgh, John MacKenzie, Eldon Rossong, Jonathan Clifton, Darcy McGillivray
Moved away from Antigonish and still skating:
Jamie Cleary, Jason Mason, Stephen Gillis, Blayne Haverkort, Brian Pride "Bones" MacDonald, John MacKenzie, and Peter MacDonald
*****
Summer 2007
Jason Mason, Josses Young and Steve Gillis were back in the 'nish to skate their fave spots again photo
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Sep 1, 2010
Upcoming events
Sept. board mtg TBA
Photos-New/Old/Older
Year in Review 07-08
Newsletter--Apr2007(pdf)
Clippings Jun03-Apr08
AHSA on facebook
Shopping
Nova Scotia sk8parks
AntigonishEventsCalendar
Halifax movie Roller Town looking for roller skaters / Roller Town facebook page
2010 Skate & Create / 2009 winner, etnies The Legend Of Boxton Square
HOLY ROLLER (2nd vid has music)
Where we are, July 2010
Rolling with the punches, The Casket, Jul 26, 2010
Town trying to find site?, Jul 21, 2010
Request for space for halfpipe turned down, June 21
A safe, fun summer, Chronicle Herald, July 19
A new skate park for sick old tricks -Globe and Mail
The Chronicles of Zander, June 12; Trailer & poster
Northside Youth Centre & Indoor Sk8park Grand Opening, Fredericton, NB; sponsor: East Side Board Supply
Playgound installation May 15, photos
Spryfield park open; vid
Everyone wins, vid about youth engagement produced by NS Dept of Community Services
Local: Big Air in Bedford
To Fix Bridge, Skateboard Mecca May Be Lost for Years, Brooklyn Bridge, NY
2010 AGM / President's report / new board
Pics, Jeff at Moncton sk8park
BMX enthusiasts out of winter hibernation
Dedication unrewarded, Letter to the editor of The Casket, Apr 14, 2010
Local talent - sk8 vids featuring Brennen Breen: couldn't breen / brennen breen this is antigonish / Halifax commons skateboardin / scooter vid featuring Ryan Rossong: Beaver Gone Wild
Danny Way Stepping Aside as His Creation Soars
Connecting to a Culture Using 4 Wheels / Related: 4Wheelwarpony
Bob Biniak of Z-Boys, Dies at 51
Skatepark planned for Amherst, NS / Many benefits to be had in skate park
Snowboarding gold medalist Shaun White on the value of skateboarding
For Tony Hawk, the Skateboard Is a Canvas
A stunt cyclist's Tour de Fence / Danny MacAskill on Youtube
Bridgewater sets aside land for skateboard park, Bridgewater Bulletin, Oct 20,09
AHSA volunteers at HUNGRY4CHANGE banquet, Aug 11 photos
2009 HG parade photos
1st Annual Arichat Skateboarding Competition - photos
New sk8parks 2008/10
Spryfield
Bridgewater (planned)
Chester
Saint John
Truro
Glace Bay
Fall River / slide show
Amherst (planned)
AnnapolisRoyal (planned)
Why a skatepark?
Site selection criteria
Sk8parks & playgrounds
Wear your support, buy a tee
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