From office supplies to ollies: inclusive skatepark to open in Portage Place

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This article was published 22/06/2023 (842 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

An inclusive indoor skatepark is nearing its launch date in Winnipeg, just months after many local skateboarders said they felt unwelcome at another.

Pitikwe Skatepark is located inside the Portage Place mall. The site (previously home to a Staples office supplies location) was perfect for the needs of the Manitoba Skateboarding Coalition, it directors said — having a flat floor, high ceiling and location in an accessible part of downtown.

The coalition is a non-profit group founded two years ago, with three directors: Charlotte Smeall, Graham Constant, and Maddy Nowosad.

The name “Pitikwe” was chosen because it emphasizes the inclusive attitude they hoped to bring to the park, Constant said.

“It basically came down to what we’re trying to achieve in this space and a word that popped up to me is the Cree word ‘pitikwe.’ Pitikwe (is what) you say when someone is knocking at your door. It’s like, ‘come in.’ It’s a very welcoming gesture. It seemed very fitting with what we’re trying to accomplish here.”

Nowosad has been active in setting up the coalition’s social media presence and has organized fundraisers for the creation the new skatepark.

She has been an avid skateboarder since she was eight or nine, Nowosad said, but quit for a while when she was 13, due to the absence of visible LGBTTQ+ people and women in the sport, which she says is thankfully changing.

Nowosad said a welcoming space for all skateboarders was needed considering the recent increase in hate crimes towards LGBTTQ+ people. (Statistics Canada logged a 64 per cent increase in such incidents in 2021.)

This week’s announcement comes months after controversy at the other major indoor skatepark in Winnipeg, the Edge, operated by Youth for Christ.

It was reported the evangelical organization was barring skateboarders from having events welcoming queer people, didn’t allow LGBTTQ+ staff members or volunteers be open about their identities, and required staff to sign a faith statement they would adhere to the organization’s values, including marriage being “a committed union between one man and one woman.”

In December 2022, it was reported Youth for Christ Winnipeg had received $357,975 over five years in funding from Canada Summer Jobs, potentially in violation of the federal government program’s inclusivity rules.

Nowosad emphasized Pitikwe would allow LGBTTQ+ people to fully participate and take leadership roles, such as teaching skateboarding lessons. “Everyone should be able to follow their passions, no matter who you are.”

Constant is a resident of downtown and has lived in Winnipeg for 16 years. He has been a skateboarder for 22 years and is a former co-owner of skateboarding companies Red Riding Media and 33 Skateboards.

He said the new indoor skatepark (which will also be open to BMX bikes and roller skating) will be helpful for inner-city youth looking for something to do, especially as an alternative to less-healthy activities.

Funding for Pitikwe Skatepark is currently provided by The Forks North Portage Partnership and Spence Neighbourhood Association, as well as via online donations.

“It’s been amazing just how the stars have aligned and just for the support for this project,” said Smeall, speaking of the support the coalition has received from individuals and stakeholders in Winnipeg’s downtown.

Pitikwe Skatepark will have an open house in July. Organizers hope to fully launch in the fall.

graham.mcdonald@freepress.mb.ca