Sooke skate park seeking skateboarding host to ensure organized chaos

The District of Sooke, B.C., is creating a new position of Skate Park Hostas its skateboarding park ramps up for the surge of bikers and boarders set to hit the concrete this summer.

Responsibilities would include supervising skaters, ensuring things run smoothly and helping people better understand the growing sport. To qualify for the job, you need to some skateboarding and biking skills, plus first aid training.

"Someone to connect with youth, someone who'd listen to them who would work with them and understand their needs," saidSteveKnoke,manager atSEAPARC, which oversees the skateboard park near Victoria.

"Rather than the youth coming to us, we figured we'd send someone to them."

Knokesays there are often up to 30 people using the park thathave varying skill levels so its important someone is there to ensure organized chaos in a small space.

He compares the new position to that of a pool or playground supervisor except in a very specialized discipline.

Knoke says it is important for the new host to be personable and maintain safety, but he doesn't expect them to become a by-law or police officer.

"I think obviously the balance is understanding that if there is something illegal happening, they deal with it," said Knoke. "If safety is in jeopardy, they'd have to call authorities."

To hear the full interview with Steve Knoke, listen to the audio labelled: District of SookeSearching for Skate Park Host.