Saul, thanks for taking the time to chat we all know you for ripping the Goldie for years but how long have you been building parks for?
I first helped Rob from Concrete skateparks around 12 years ago in Warrigal, Victoria only for a very brief time then a couple of parks around the bay area in QLD after that but probably for the past 7 years on and off.
Fly through from @theeditsuite
How did you get into it?
I think how it all started was Dave Adair and Rob were having a discussion about what we need to build in Australia in regards to parks and park design Rob said If you know anyone that wants to give it a go give him a call so I did.
Salk Park has been around for years do you know any of its history?
Not too much history really only that it was built in 95 and it has been one of those iconic spots to either have a little warm up before a skate or just a nice chill roll in the arvo in the shade on the banks of currumbin creek. Its nothing gnarly like Pizzey or Hunt.
The upgrade/Facelift seemed to start with the addition on the DIY quarter, do you know how this all happened?
From what I know is that JB got things started by just clearing out the area Buying some blocks from the local tip shop and started building a wall. Then about a month later JB and Boydey wanted to make the gnome door so they did. I think the crew was JB, Boydey, Tom Mcerlane, Matt Lee, Eithie, Atsu, Tom Kael im sure there were others.
Who was on the crew for this built?
First and foremost this was Kristian Phillips (MOOSE) job, he really stuck his neck out and took a risk in tackling this project for his first park build. Initially it was just Moose, myself and Cuzzy to do the demolition and earthworks. Moose then decided to fly Jason Parkes over from NZ to bring his expertise. Dan Fosberry was our labourer doing all sorts of jobs throughout the entire build. The rest of the crew consisted of Noah Phillips, Brodie Sellers, Fred Garland, Scotty Walsh, Dougie,Canadian Mitch, Jezza, Kai sellers, Eithie, and a massive shoutout to Atsu who would bring us delicious smoko nearly everyday the man is a king among men. Solid crew.
What was the most difficult part of this pour?
Nothing really, every job has its curve balls and you need to be able to be flexible Moose did a great job at this considering it was his first one.
I'm surprised the council let the DIY section stay, how did that all work?
A couple of people wanted it to stay, If it was up to me I would have flatten it when we had the chance.
Who did the design? Where you able to contribute ideas?
Was stalking your Insta and saw a couple of backyards in there, are they just mates or can alway get a piece of Saul in their backyard?
They were just kinda love jobs I really enjoyed doing that sort of work because its so much more personal, I find when the general public gets involved someone has a whinge about something not being perfect or if you could believe some things being too perfect. So to have people that truly appreciate all the work you put in, it makes it all worth the weekends you end up working.
You still getting out on your board much these days? and if so where and who you like to skate with?
Keeping that a secret
Whats next?
Going back to building and renovating houses, it seems like park building has become a bit of a thing with a lot of crew that have never built anything and no clue on how to do shit coming in and fucking shit up. We will see what the future holds with that though.
Whats with the Kangaroos?
Where Rach and I live there are a heap of the furry little bastards so I just decided to start saying gday to them each time I went past them, its kinda become a thing with me but im sure everyone will get sick of seeing the same stuff from me.