Skateboard Enthusiast’s Dream Comes True: Saskatoon Welcomes New Museum Showcasing Skateboarding’s Rich History
Bruce Tucker, a beloved figure in Saskatoon’s skateboarding scene, has transformed his lifelong passion into reality with the grand opening of a remarkable museum dedicated to skateboards. Located on the site of one of Saskatoon’s original skateparks, the museum stands as a testament to the city’s skateboarding heritage.
Tucker, an avid collector of skateboards since his early days, saw the need to preserve the boards that were once disregarded. “Back in the 80s, the boards like, nobody wanted them,” he reminisced. “You wanted the newer, 90s, the skinnier board or whatever, so everyone was just giving them away or throwing them out.”
Inside the museum, walls adorned with news articles from the 80s and 90s tell the captivating story of skateboarding’s evolution and its profound impact on the local community. The display features an impressive collection of around 60 boards, including original pieces and limited editions. Additionally, a mini ramp, paying homage to the original skatepark, adds an exciting touch to the museum experience.
Jason Belhumeur, instrumental in acquiring many of the showcased boards, emphasizes the sentimental value of skateboarding for visitors. “Skateboarding is very meaningful for a lot of these people that come back and see this nostalgic stuff hanging on the walls, and there’s stories behind all of these pieces,” Belhumeur explained.
Local skaters highlight the significance of the museum in preserving Saskatoon’s skateboarding roots and ensuring the preservation of its history. Riley Duggan expressed gratitude, saying, “Some of this stuff would just be like, rotting away in some grandparent’s garage or like, I don’t know, gone forever.”
Beyond celebrating skateboarding’s heritage, both Tucker and Belhumeur are utilizing the museum’s opening as an opportunity to advocate for a new indoor skatepark. Belhumeur, having mentored youth in the past, believes that a new park would provide a safe haven and divert vulnerable young individuals from the streets. “It’s not only a skateboard park but (also) a youth center,” he explained. “It can be utilized for educational purposes and just keep the community together in a positive atmosphere.”
Currently, the museum serves as Tucker’s heartfelt love letter to the skateboarding community, welcoming everyone to immerse themselves in the nostalgia it exudes.
