How DIY skateparks reassert ownership over the city’s abandoned spaces

The UK hasn’t had the best relationship with skateboarding. Often associated with antisocial behaviour, the sport has had to battle a barrage of laws that imposed restrictions and aimed to crack down on activities carried out in public spaces.

Despite a rocky relationship with the local council, skateboarding continues to boom and the UK boasts over 1,500 skateparks. With the growing sportification of skating, we are seeing its shift from the sub-culture to increased commercialisation – where it’s even making its debut at the Tokyo Olympics.

Evolving into a council-approved sport, there is fear among many that the alternative subculture is losing its identity. However, alongside the commercialisation of skateboarding, we are also seeing a surge in DIY skateparks popping up across the world. Built by skaters, the makeshift DIY parks are providing people across the world a sense of ownership, as well as transforming spaces that have been abandoned by residents and investors.

Through a lot of hard work, creativity and community effort – Bristol is home to the well known DIY spot underneath the M32. Formally a forgotten wasteland under the motorway, the skatepark is now firmly on the map of global self-built parks, has provided a new space for young people, as well as push down rates of prostitution and crime in the area.

The M32 skatepark was built in a neglected area of the city. Credit: Sian Tudor Photography.

Annali Grimes is the founder and director of LitterARTI, a grassroots organisation that tackles social and environmental issues through the arts and creativity. Working alongside the skaters, Annali saw the previously unused space transform into a community hub.

“We worked directly with the skaters and other members of the community to see how the space could be changed. It was hugely neglected and we wanted to tackle the litter building upon the bank of the river Frome.

“There’s an anarchist approach to the movement – people are claiming spaces for themselves. It’s a real collaboration in how space is being perceived and local residents feel that there is less drug pushing, rough sleepers and feels less dangerous.”

It’s a political move, where skaters are moving away from state-built parks and embracing their fringe culture and finding spaces to call their own. The M32 skatepark is a labour of love, which has led to a host of improvements to the area – and also meant that the council turned a blind eye to the park’s construction.

The culture of DIY skateparks is a way for communities to claim abandoned spaces in the cities as their own. Credit: Sian Tudor Photography

“The culture of DIY skate builders highlights the importance of claiming a space for the community,” explains Annali. “As residents of a city, we should have the right to make use of space. Not everyone can jump through the bureaucratic hurdles, apply for planning applications and go the traditional way.”

“It’s great that the council has allowed it. They knew the community was being involved and that it’s not another form of gentrification that is going to push people away.”

It may have avoided council approval and planning permissions but the culture of DIY skateparks is a way for communities to claim abandoned spaces in the cities as their own – bringing together communities and investment.

The M32 skatepark is a perfect example where young people are being empowered to improve the forgotten parts of the city and see them become so much more. Annali and the LitterARTI team worked directly with the residents, skaters and the council to also introduce a flea market alongside the self-built park, which has seen the space become a hub of creativity, “filling it with music, laughter, joy.”

Main photo: Bristol24/7

Read more: Raising funds for the transformation of the M32 underpass