Vans to thrill London’s Strand with a pop-up skate park
Sports footwear and apparel brand Vans will be taking over part of the Strand with a purpose-built, pop-up skatepark.
This two-week incentive series will offer free skateboarding events called Skate the Strand. The events (Stake the Strand) will run for two weeks from 8 September in collaboration with Westminster City Council and Somerset House to highlight a newly pedestrianised public space between Temple and Charing Cross.
Working with skatepark designers and builders Betongpark, the temporary, street-inspired setup is designed to be enjoyed by skaters of any level. The obstacles aim to promote how skate-able architectural forms can be integrated into public space as sources of visual engagement and enrichment. They will act as landmarks for skate culture, showcasing the positive impact skateboarding can have on local communities, mental health, well-being and enrichment of youth culture.
There will also be a schedule of programming for “Skate the Strand” that includes free skate lessons, pro demos, open public skate sessions and a session hosted by women’s skate collective Neighbourhood Skate Club.
“Skate the Strand” has been designed to showcase and celebrate skateboarding’ s inclusive creative culture, alongside aspiration to drive change in how shared urban space can be developed and used by all.
