Have you heard the great news? Peterborough City Council has voted YES in favour of the Bonnerworth Park Redevelopment Project. This means that some seriously exciting things are ahead for skateboarding in Peterborough in the coming years. Our voices have been heard and our efforts are starting to pay off for the skateboard community.
What is the Bonnerworth Park Redevelopment Project?
You can read more about the full plan here, but essentially, the vision is to transform Bonnerworth into a destination multi-sport facility. The skatepark currently shares the park with tennis and baseball, with lawn bowling across the street, but our understanding is that those will all be moved, freeing up space in the new design for more skatepark, plus the addition of a BMX pump track and 16 pickleball courts. The whole space will be supported with washrooms, shade, and seating, and it will integrate connectedness and accessibility into its design.
What happens next?
We understand the project will take place in two phases over two years. First, the existing tennis courts beside the skatepark will be moved to King Edward park. Next, the pickleball courts will be installed (not necessarily in the same spot the tennis courts were). Throughout next year (2024) the skate community together will be engaged in a detailed and collaborative process for designing our dream skatepark. Likewise, the BMX group will be working on their pump track, and then the construction on both happens in 2025. The existing skatepark should remain accessible throughout both phases.
How can you stay involved?
Continue to follow us on Instagram @ptbo.skate and be sure to check back on this website from time to time. We will post all updates or opportunities to contribute, including the best part: design input!
We are super grateful for this commitment the City of Peterborough has made to improving skateboarding in our community. A lot of of people before us, and a lot of people after, will have put a lot of their time into improving skate. The job’s not quite done yet, but we are inching optimistically closer to an exciting new era for skateboarding in Peterborough.