A DIY skate and BMX park in Turfontein has had an official makeover, giving youths a space to spend their days learning tricks and hanging out.
Turfontein, South Africa (16 February 2024) – Nkosinathi Gift Nkosi, who goes by Nathi Steeze, a prominent BMX rider with deep roots in the Turfontein area sheds light on how a new DIY BMX project has made a significant impact in his community and how it promises to boost the local BMX community.
In a bold departure from its traditional focus on skate parks, Red Bull teamed up with the community for the launch of a BMX DIY Project in Turfontein, south of Johannesburg. Following the transformative renovation of skate parks in Khayelitsha and Pimville in Soweto, the global brand is set to bring its innovative approach to Turfontein. The Turfontein BMX Park, situated in The Hill area, is the latest canvas for Red Bull’s vision. This ground-breaking initiative is in collaboration with the local community and aims to breathe new life into a BMX park situated in The Hill area.
Nkosi explains that, as a youth growing up in The Hill, he anticipates a surge of excitement among the local youth.
“As a BMX rider growing up in The Hill, which is where this park will be getting built, I am confident that a lot of youth in the area will be excited to have a Skatepark that is functional again.”
Having a functional skatepark nearby will keep youth engaged in local entertainment, reducing the need to seek leisure elsewhere. Additionally, the revamped park opens avenues for hosting BMX events, further strengthening its positive impact on the community.
After being asked about the specific features or elements that he is most excited about in the revamped BMX park, Nkosi, a “street” enthusiast, replied –
“I am more excited about the street obstacle. The reason for that is, the park was fully ramp oriented and not even one section of street. Nowadays there are a lot of youth getting into the street part of riding which means that more of them will come to the park if given an obstacle they enjoy. It will also give them a chance to better their riding skills because this park has in the past brought out one of the best riders in the new scenery which means the park is a great platform to help better your skills without too much fear.”
“I feel personally connected to this initiative because if it was not for me reaching out, I personally feel like the park would have gone to the pits,” says Nkosi.
He goes on to explain that the reason he was able to achieve his dream and become a professional BMX rider was because of Turfontein Park.
“This park means a lot to me because it has given me something to look forward to after school. It has made me well recognised in the area as the best BMX rider.” In addition, the park has allowed him to create friendships with others with similar interests and aspirations: “I have made friends as a result and have won competitions, putting a huge smile on their faces and mine because I was there when they started because of watching me ride everyday. Nothing made me happier.”
For Nkosi, being involved in this project means preserving a vital part of his journey and contributes to the growth of the BMX community in the area. The BMX DIY project marks a significant shift in its support for extreme sports, underscoring its commitment to fostering local talent and community engagement. The revamped Turfontein BMX park is set to become a hub for riders and enthusiasts alike, embodying the spirit of innovation and collaboration that defines Red Bull’s approach to extreme sports.
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