Skateboard Association kickflips into giving back to community

For Corey Henderson, skateboarding has always been more than a sport.

It’s a source of confidence, resilience and community – values he hopes to pass on through the Barrie Skateboard Association (BSA).

Founded in 2023 as a not-for-profit organization, the BSA advocates for local skateboarders and works to expand opportunities for youth in Barrie. Henderson, the group’s president, said it was formed after members recognized a lack of investment in skateboarding infrastructure.

“We looked around and realized that very little had changed for skateboarders in Barrie in the last 25 years,” he said.

“The idea came from the original BSA that was formed in the late ’90s.”

Through those similar efforts decades ago, the skatepark at Queen’s Park in downtown Barrie was built.

One of the association’s main goals is creating a year-round indoor skateboarding facility that would also serve as a youth community hub. They have been looking at a location in Barrie’s north end as a starting point.

“We want a place where kids can come, skate, learn and connect,” Henderson said.

“There is a shortage of safe, all-access skate spots in Barrie.”

The association has focused on growing the local skateboarding community through free skate programs at Queen’s Park. The sessions provide equipment, instruction and mentorship for beginners.

Henderson said skateboarding can help young people build perseverance and self-confidence.

“Risky play is an important part of learning how to skateboard,” he said.

“It helps kids develop confidence, problem-solving skills and resilience.”

The volunteer-led organization includes vice-president Ian McIntyre, secretary-treasurer Renee Henderson, multimedia specialist Scott McIntyre and director of community engagement Dan Bokma. Henderson says Bokma helps to keep the local skateboarding scene alive through free youth programming.

The association has also worked with the city to add skate features at Queen’s Park and host events on city property. Recently, members took part in a Cundles Heights community night, which Henderson said was a success and introduced more families to skateboarding.

Coming this summer, the group will host skateboarding events July 1 on Dunlop Street near Five Points Theatre, July 12 at Meridian Place and Aug. 15 during Troubadour Festival activities downtown. Free skate sessions will also run every Sunday morning at Queen’s Park.

Henderson said the mission remains focused on creating opportunities for young people and building something future generations can carry forward.

“Our goal has never been to run this forever,” he said.

“We want to build something sustainable and hand it off to the next generation. That’s how you build a community that lasts.”