Repair, don’t replace one of Sydney’s last living 1970s skate bowls.

The Five Dock skate bowl has been skated for more than 50 years.
It is still used daily by kids, teens and adults. It is a rare example of living skate and BMX heritage in Australia.

We support upgrading Five Dock Park. We do not support erasing this place when repair and conservation are still possible.

A rare, living piece of skate + BMX history

Built in the 1970s, the Five Dock bowl is one of the few remaining examples of early Australian skatepark design still in active use. It represents a distinct era of skate culture, defined by deeper bowls, raw concrete geometry and intergenerational learning.

Your Questions,
Answered

What’s at risk?

Recent concept images for Five Dock Park upgrades show the existing bowl removed and replaced with a contemporary skate plaza. Canada Bay Council documents also suggest the bowl may be considered for “replacement or replication” in the future.

There has been no clear public discussion about conserving the existing bowl or exploring repair-first options.

This matters because once detailed design and approvals begin, the opportunity to retain it may be lost.

What are we asking for?

We are calling for a measured, place-led approach:

  • A transparent structural assessment of the existing bowl

  • Genuine exploration of repair and staged conservation

  • Clear commitment that any replacement must be like-for-like in geometry and character, not softened redesign

  • Early, meaningful engagement with skate users before detailed design

Our position

We support:

  • Upgrading Five Dock Park

  • Improving safety and accessibility

  • New facilities for broader community use

We oppose:

  • Unnecessary demolition

  • Cultural erasure by default

  • Replacing a working asset without exhausting repair options

Get involved

If you skate or ride BMX here, grew up here, bring your kids here, or simply value places with history and soul, your voice matters.