Xplore playToon

Tyneside is one big playground and PlayToon 2012 is out to represent skaters, BMXers and free-runners over the weekend of 18th-19th May 2012.
Urban Games, Digital Deekies, 4-Sight, Northumbria Uni and Streetphire have hooked up with the Holy Biscuit Gallery in Shieldfield to organise the venue, exhibtion and action. We will be showing photography, video, cartoons and maps from local street sports scenes with ramps and space for live action. Maybe you are only starting out or have a stash of photos from back in the day: PlayToon is there to show off your world, roots and culture.
This blog will keep you posted on what we are up to, how to get involved and explore the place of street sports in the city.

Tuesday 24 January 2012

Teenaphobia & Old Eldon Square



Redeveloping Old Eldon Square. Peter Rogers (who worked at Newcastlele Uni) points out that much of the local media coverage of young people around the Square (okay, not all skaters are teenagers, but you get lumped together), was a poor representation of how people felt. Opinions of elderly people in the area were not unanimous in wanting a blanket ban, ex-servicemen's associations also were okay about youngsters (just don't skate the memorial itself). The Square had a 50 year history, maybe more, for hanging out with friends. So, what's the big deal with the space? Maybe all the consultation around developing Exi Park was a bit meaningless... Exi was always going to be developed where it was, out of sight and out of mind. Meantime Gateshead Council were keen to get skaters into 5 Bridges because when skaters were there little old ladies felt safe.

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