Press Release: Stoked locals upgrade Pimville skate park in Soweto with Red Bull DIY

Local skaters at the Pimville skate park in Soweto getting stuck in to revamp their local shred spot.

Built in 2010, Soweto’s Pimville Skate Park fell into the dilapidated shadow of what it once was, so local skaters took matters into their own hands to revamp it with the help of the Red Bull DIY programme, a global initiative that strives to support local skate communities.

PR by Red Bull. Photos by Mpumelelo Macu.

Red Bull DIY projects are all executed in a sustainable and credible way, by not only developing their skate spots, but by also giving skaters a platform to showcase their talents and DIY creativity. Arguably, this is needed in South Africa’s townships more than anywhere.

“Over the years the skate facilities have become run down, and the local skaters have longed for it to get fixed,” said Sam Khumalo of Skate Society Soweto. Thanks to Sam’s efforts, he contacted Red Bull, as well as Thato Metanalo of Island Gal Shred, who assisted the community to rally together in order to revamp and upgrade the facility.

“The idea of ownership and pride forms a strong part of the spirit of the Red Bull DIY ethos. One chuffed local skater hailed the community’s combined effort, noting that “most parks take at least two months, but we got it done in two weeks!”

“Skateboarding has been predominantly male-dominated for decades. I’m excited that the park gives female skaters a platform to showcase their talents. I appreciate the fact that the Red Bull DIY programme gives the community and its surroundings an opportunity to learn new things and further hone their skills,” said Thato Metanalo of Island Gal Shred.

Ashwyn Demos, nollie heelflip lip side on the new flat rail.

The facelift was guided by the help of DIY expert, Cape Town skateboarder, Pieter Retief. Those involved in the revamp hope that beyond providing locals with a state-of-the-art park, it will also inspire a new generation of young Sowetan skaters to enter into the scene.

The initiative is unique in that it gives locals a chance to get their hands dirty and put their own work into the rebuilding process. The idea of ownership and pride forms a strong part of the spirit of the Red Bull DIY ethos. One chuffed local skater hailed the community’s combined effort, noting that “most parks take at least two months, but we got it done in two weeks!”

Stoked Pimville skate park local steezy backside 5-0 on virgin concrete and coping.

Despite the tireless efforts that the community put in to make sure the project became a success, local skaters showed little fatigue and wasted no time upon its completion in being the first ones to grab a board and proudly test their mettle on their new stomping grounds.

Soweto skate park ripper, frontside 50-50 for the ‘gram likes.

Watch the full video below:

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