Skateboards, smiles and a few kickflips brought a little extra energy to downtown Barrie.
The Barrie Skateboard Association (BSA) set up an afternoon of fun and community spirit at the Troubadour Festival on Saturday, giving children and families an opportunity to try skateboarding and learn from local riders.
The volunteer-led association held court during the free downtown festival, teaching kids of all ages the basics of skateboarding.
BSA president Corey Henderson said bringing more young people to the sport is at the heart of the organization’s work.
“Being able to introduce kids to this is rewarding and amazing,” he said.
“We’ve been making great progress in teaching kids all about skateboarding. They really get into it – we see them every week. They get to be active, and this gives them a chance to do something fun.”
The BSA was founded in 2023 as a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advocating for local skateboarders and expanding opportunities for youth. The group also runs free skate programs at Queen’s Park in Barrie, providing equipment, instruction and mentorship for beginners.
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BSA vice-president Ian McIntyre said skateboarding provides an accessible way for families to stay active while learning something new.
“Families can come and participate in this sport is such a healthy aspect for us. It’s something everyone can do to be active and learn something new,” he said.
Greater visibility for skateboarding
The association’s presence at Troubadour was also part of the festival’s expanded daytime programming, which included music, arts, entertainment, vendors and family activities throughout downtown.
Henderson said the response to the BSA’s programming has been encouraging.
“The Barrie community has really started to embrace what we’re bringing,” he said. “We are hearing people want more events, and everyone is getting on board for more.”
For McIntyre, bringing skateboarding into community events is another way to give the sport greater visibility in Barrie.
“I think skateboarding has been missing in the Barrie area,” he said.
“We really love the sport, and we wanted to find ways to bring more people into the skateboarding community and give it greater visibility in Barrie.”
The BSA is in talks with City of Barrie officials about developing a year-round indoor skateboarding facility that could also serve as a youth community hub. An official location has not yet been announced.
