Features

DERELICT: Exploring an Abandoned Skatepark

My favourite things in life are taking flicks, exploring and skating, so when the three occasionally cross paths it’s a winning combination. Never had they crossed this perfectly so I was keen to find out if the place was actually even safe to hit.

I had known about this spot for a while but understandably had always assumed it was beyond rideable. The place has been derelict for years and I’ve seen next to no coverage of it. It wasn’t until I saw a crusty phone photo of the place did I realise it could have potential.

Heading down there for a look was a no brainer. I decided to fill my car with Louis Robinson (Moz), Dom O’mahoney and RicRow to ride, not forgetting Rosie Rainford to skate with and assist on the shoot.

Words and photos by Sam Eckersley

Riding this spot was part of a full day exploring. In the morning we hit an abandoned swimming pool with great success and then headed straight for the derelict park. Getting down proved difficult, more difficult than getting Moz out of his house in the morning. We realised after ignoring a diversion that we had driven right into a remembrance Sunday parade. Our bad. Eventually we reached the place and set about getting in.

“The elements and old Father Time had given some sections a real beating…”

After a lengthy battle with the perimeter carrying a bunch of equipment, bikes and skateboards, we were in. Upon first arrival inside, memories came flooding back of skating and shooting in the place before it became derelict.

When I explore old places, almost every time I’m visiting for the first time. So I have never seen them before they were abandoned. However, occasionally I visit a spot I have already seen in full working order and it’s one of the strangest feelings ever.

Clearly, some of the spot was still rideable – however there were many parts best avoided. The elements and old Father Time had given some sections a real beating and made them impossible to hit. Weighing up the risky ramps we decided which were still safe then cleared away the rubble and clutter.

Rick Rowbotham in front of his new piece.

What followed was a few hours of pure enjoyment on everyone’s part. Shooting photos proved rather challenging – parts of the building were fully blackout, yet others were lit brightly by holes in the crumbling roof. Combine challenging lighting with a broken flash and it makes for a tough time.

On the flipside, Moz, Dom and RicRow came through and rode amazingly, hitting ramps most wouldn’t dare to go near. When we eventually lost the light I spent a little time light painting and almost set Moz on fire in the process… We then tackled the exit and headed home. Overall it was a top day that I won’t be forgetting anytime soon.

Side note: Before the question gets asked – I’m not one for giving away locations and I would rather not say where this place is. In the hands of the wrong people this spot will ultimately get ruined, although I’m sure someone will drop the bomb after seeing this feature. To that person I say think before you comment and the spot can probably be enjoyed by many more people before it gets destroyed or locked off for good.