Brussels is in desperate need of a proper skatepark. The last attempt to get something built resulted in the Square des Ursulines project. However, by definition, it is not a skatepark. Instead it is a public space designed to enhance the interaction between urban sport enthusiasts, culturists and random passers-by who got lost on their way to the Sablons. Even if this initative was a step in the right direction, the standard and location could easily have been optimised. Local skateboarders are not satisfied with second best. Venturing around the city, you might spot concrete blobs such as those in the Parc Georges Henri, something prefabricated like Zaventem, or hand-made like the quarterpipe in Kraainem, but none of these are real solutions. For a city dubbed the Capital of Europe, with 40% of it`s population working in and around European institutions funding projects all over the continent, and 90% of it’s streets paved with cobbles, you would expect the city to find time, space and money to build a proper skatepark! Since the demise of the infamous rollerpark in Anderlecht many moons ago, how many demos, tours, contests and other skate events has Brussels missed out on? How many more times will professional skateboarders skip from London to Paris to Amsterdam without enjoying a proper beer? How many more small towns and cities will get superior skateparks designed and built before Brussels skaters finally find a roof over their heads for the winter. And yes, the winters are long in Belgium. Rain is mandatory. So, lease show your support to get a proper skatepark built in Brussels and sign this petition.

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