GEORGE NEWS - Skatelab George, the longest running skate park in South Africa, will be taking down its ramps at the end of February.
Owner Joseph Miller told the George Herald, "I am turning 60 soon, and for a 60-year-old to give the necessary attention to 6-year-olds is not on.
"I don't want the park to die a slow death and I want it to finish with all the good memories intact."
Skatelab, at the bottom of York Street, was established in 1999 when Council leased the land to Miller.
"My children all skated and there were no facilities for them in George. I never wanted them on the roads so I approached the municipality with the idea based on the safety of the children as well as to have a base where international skateboarding contests with the resultant revenue can take place in the Southern Cape.
"I wish to place on record my sincere gratitude to the municipality of George who had the foresight of allowing me to establish the park on municipal land.
"Without their consent and willingness to allow Skatelab to operate, we would not exist.
"Our gratitude to the people of George, who have supported us over the years, and have trusted us with their children," he said.
Joseph Miller - the end of an era. Photos: Myron Rabinowitz
Reamo Leluma maintains that if it was not for Miller's determination and continuous dedication to promoting skateboarding, he would have been skating illegally on the streets.
"This was my second home and I could keep out of trouble and within the law - and that applies to all of us. Thank you for what you have done for us, thank you, Mr Miller."
The annual Buck Tour held in June is the longest running skateboard contest in South Africa, but sadly this will now come to an end.
Every year Miller hosted a clinic for children from the ACVV Môreson Kinderhuis in Denneoord, in conjunction with the "Skateboard for Hope" tour.
Each child received a skateboard valued at R500 plus a gift hamper with T-shirt, arm bands and other related items.
Saturday 24 February will be Skatelab's last day. "We will be going out with a bang, see you there, the day is on us!" said Miller.
ARTICLE: MYRON RABINOWITZ, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
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