Give the Port Kembla DIY park the sendoff it deserves on Saturday

The Port Kembla DIY (PKDIY) skate space is one step closer to becoming a permanent park, thanks to the relentless effort of the local community.

In February 2023 the Port Kembla Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PKCCI) secured a $500,000 grant from the Port Kembla Community Investment Fund to realise the vision.

Wollongong City Council moved to support the construction of an official skate park in 2024, and Revolution Action Sports Concepts was chosen to oversee the project.

Now, arts and social change organisation BighART has come on board to run Skate of Mind events at the park over the next three years.

The events will blend skateboarding, music, art, and culinary delights to unite and celebrate local talent.

Lincoln Smith of BighART said the organisation was keen to collaborate with the Port Kembla community to honour the legacy of the DIY park and embrace the potential of the new.

To celebrate this milestone the PKDIY Renewal Jam will be held on 16 March at 2 pm, followed by a skate video premiere at The Servo from 5 pm.

PKCCI spokesperson Will Mitry said the Jam was an opportunity to commemorate the DIY park before construction began.

“This marks an exciting time for Port Kembla,” Will said.

“The new skate facility and accompanying basketball court will serve as a community hub for generations.

Bellambi skater Bodie Jarman was part of the team who went on a scouting mission to scope out Sydney skate parks for inspiration.

He said park design had come a long way in the past few decades, and he was excited to share the new park with his kids and friends.

“A lot of the new park designs have different elements that invite more creativity than the older style parks,” he said.

“There’s one we really liked at Telopea that had a spine ramp run through the middle.

“Things are built a bit smaller now too. In the 90s everything was quite extreme; it was a very steep learning curve.

“This will be a little bit more accessible, so as an older skater it’s less taxing on the body and it’s easier for young kids.”

Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown said it was positive to see things moving forward for local skateboarders in Port Kembla.

Councillor Ann Martin who advocated to have the PKDIY became a permanent facility in 2022 is pleased to see the community project come to life.

“It’s great to see these positive outcomes when the community and Wollongong Council work together,” she said.

The PKDIY Renewal Jam will be held on Sunday 16 March from 2 pm at the PKDIY skate park, followed by a skate video premiere at The Servo from 5 pm.