Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.
Jonathan Geddes, BBC Glasgow and West reporter, highlighted the story of Scotland’s first outdoor skatepark, Kelvin Wheelies, dating back to the late 70s and early 80s. For five years, the skatepark was a hub for enthusiastic skateboarders, showcasing an emerging subculture of flips and tricks. Now, a team of archaeologists from the University of Glasgow aims to revive the site’s legacy through excavation and survey work at Kelvingrove Park.
The project, led by Dr Kenny Brophy, seeks to ensure that the skatepark’s historical significance is not lost over time. Members of the public have been encouraged to share their memories, videos, and photographs of Kelvin Wheelies to contribute to an online archive. The skatepark, considered state-of-the-art upon its opening in May 1978, featured various elements like bowls, a slalom run, and a half-pipe named Jaws, Torpedo, and Bazooka.
Despite its initial popularity, maintenance costs and safety concerns led to Kelvin Wheelies’ closure and eventual burial in 1983, just five years after its inception. Jamie Blair, owner of Clan Skates and a former member of the Kelvingrove skateboard team, expressed excitement at the prospect of rediscovering the skatepark’s history. Elements of the original site still remain visible near the modern skatepark in Kelvingrove Park, yet visitors lack information about its significance.
Dr Kenny Brophy, the project leader and senior lecturer in archaeology at the University of Glasgow, emphasized the revival of Kelvin Wheelies as a unique opportunity to explore recent history through contemporary archaeology. The fieldwork, supported by the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, is set to take place from 25-29 August. Skateboarding, which has experienced a resurgence in popularity over the past three decades, made its Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020 and has continued to feature in subsequent games, highlighting the sport’s enduring appeal
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.