Skip to content

Sidney to keep new skateboard park graffiti-free

When Sidney’s new skateboard park opens this summer, the municipality hopes it will remain free of graffiti.
web1_170512-PNR-skateparkfile

When Sidney’s new skateboard park opens this summer, the municipality hopes it will remain free of graffiti.

After spending around $300,000 on the new recreational facility at Tulista Park, the Town will take an aggressive approach to preventing graffiti there, as well as cleaning it up as it appears.

The new skate park is currently under construction and is expected to be ready to open on July 2.

On May 8, council directed Town staff to remove all graffiti as soon as possible – on the same day that it’s detected. As well, Sidney will explore the option of adding a web camera to the site to help monitor it.

Chief Administrative Officer Randy Humble says during community presentations on the new skate park, the municipality heard concerns from neighbouring residents about the possibility of graffiti there. As a result, they decided to ban it form the site – unlike the current skate park near the Pat Bay Highway, which has seen a variety of graffiti art come and go.

“This was part of the discussion with the community when (the Tulista Skatepark) was sited,” he said. “The desire by many of the neighbours was for a graffiti-free facility.”

In addition to exploring a variety of methods of removing paint, Sidney will post park rules and regulations and post the hours of the facility as “from dawn to dusk.”

Humble added the use of a web camera will not only help with site security but could also allow viewers to enjoy the activities there.

While he agreed some see graffiti as public art, the municipality has no way to vet it.