Mumbai Has a New Skateboarding Park

To create a societal bond among people, it is necessary to create public spaces that encourage community building and offer a space for individual interaction  and the art around. Cities like New York, Melbourne and London have public spaces like Times Square, Hosier Lane and Trafalgar Square respectively. However, in Indian cities like Mumbai, there are no such places for interaction between people. 

Bandra Collective is one of its kind, started by six urban planners and architects. It works on collaboration with the residents of area and the local government bodies. Amidst the chaos of city&rsquos life, this public space would be comfortable, accessible and would act as a medium where people could meet each other and foster relationships. 

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Recently, the culture of skateboarding has boomed in India, with many cities coming up with their own skateboard park. Now, even the Mumbai skateboarders can boast of their own skateboarding park as Bombay SB and Bandra Collective have come up with city&rsquos latest skate park, &lsquoHype in the City&rsquo in Carter Road. Bombay SB is a renowned skate park building company, which in collaboration with Bandra Collective, has come up with other world class facilities in Thane and Navi Mumbai. This public park was funded by Mr. Ashish Shelar, MLA from Bandra West.

This is executed by a muralist and installation artist who also runs Homework Studios. Along with Esportz, the Homework Studios intended to &ldquocreate a hype street plaza wherein a balance between patterns, colours and existing structures could be incorporated.&rdquo They wanted to build a multi-cultural space where they could have a mixture of both - one&rsquos playful side and of gamers and thrill seekers.

&ldquoWhen we were approached by Bombay SB, a skateboarding community and makers of professional skateboarding and X game arenas, the newly constructed public skatepark on Carter Road which is called &lsquohype in the city&rsquo, became a perfect canvas for us to play with.&rdquo, says Sawant.

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The skatepark has an arcade theme, inspired by board games. The features of the skatepark are highlighted through interactive designs and abstract aesthetics. The illustrative track gives an experience to individuals altogether as every feature doubles as a checkpoint in a game. 

The projection is not just a space for creating an impact for future or of beautification, but also forms an interactive space for the community. Even while execution, it saw a lot of volunteers coming out of their homes. Sawant adds, &ldquoOur response for volunteering has been amazing as people have been yearning to express their artistic side during the pandemic as well as be a part of public initiative.&rdquo

By seeing the number of people participating in this, it shows how the residents of Mumbai much needed such a space for interactions and creating a social bond. This skateboarding park reunited la people of different communities together and help in engrossing a bond. Skateparks from all over the country have proved that they help in transcending cultural and economic barriers. This park in Mumbai too would bridge the cultural gap between people and create an Impactful experience for the people of Mumbai.