Tucked away in one of North Ryde’s newer housing and community precincts is a little gem of a skatepark known by us locals as ‘Lachies’. Over the years, I’ve frequented this park more times than I can count and have watched the surrounding Lachlan’s line development grow into the space it is today. 

Throughout this time, us skateboarders, scooterers and BMX riders were treated to 24/7 lights, allowing us to ride all day and into the night. And being one of the only skateparks that you could ride at any time of the day, it fostered a tight-knit community of people just trying to squeeze in that late night skate.

Although, we couldn’t help but notice the high-rise buildings, 100m away, slowly nearing construction and we’d dread the thought of all the lights being switched off for the sake of the residents. Either due to brightness from the lights or noise complaints.

I’ll admit the sound of wheels to concrete can be loud in certain instances, but any sounds from the skatepark are inaudible from the base of the apartments. We did also exercise courtesy later at night, as we realise it’s an inherently loud activity.

Fast forward to March 2020, Covid-19 hits, skateparks close. But light at the end of the tunnel remains, as Lachie’s will be there waiting for us. However, upon waiting eagerly for distancing restrictions to ease, it didn’t take us long to realise the lights no longer turned on. And when I say this, I refer only to the two lampposts directly above our beloved skatepark. Whilst the whole rest of the complex remains lit up, the 15m x 10m slice of concrete remains dark.

I do realise there can sometimes be a stigma attached to skateboarders in the eyes of wider society, but at this skatepark I’ve made friendships and formed memories that I’ll cherish for years. 

All I ask is that someone with the authority to switch those two lights back on somehow sees this, perhaps realises the significance this spot holds to us. And maybe, just maybe, decides to flip that switch. 

Any support is appreciated :)

*Additional points from comments:

- The lampposts also serve to light up the adjacent footpath for pedestrians.

- High chance of injury. (I have also seen nasty falls caused by difficultly to perceive depth when it gets darker. Especially on the quarter pipe.)