16 September,2026 09:12 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish Kamble
Skaters try out the newly-cleaned skatepark. Pics/Atul Kamble
In 2024, when skateboarding coach Harshad Kamble brought his mother to the Hindmata Skatepark to show her what the sport was all about, the duo had to make a quick exit. "There was trash strewn all around, and a group of men were using drugs," he recalls. This has been the state of the park for more than three years.
With the garbage gone, skaters have the ramps for practice
When we met Kamble at the same park last Saturday, the scene was starkly different. Hopeful teenagers and young adults whirred past us on their skateboards, pulling off cool skills. The change in scenery came recently, after a social media plea reached Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde, who ordered a full clean-up of the park. Hopeful to revive the scene in the neighbourhood, a new movement is hitting the ground running.
It is the most southwardly located skating spot in the city.
With the flyover above, it is the only roofed skatepark in the city fit for monsoons
The beginner-friendly layout makes it an ideal training spot for novices
After overwhelming response to the first meet-up and the promise of a tri-weekly clean-up from the sanitation workers, Harshad Kamble, who runs the Masroon Skate community will host sessions every Saturday. "Just show up; the community will guide you," he assures.
ON Every Saturday (time to be decided)
AT Hindmata Skatepark, Dadar East.
LOG ON TO masroon_skate
Harshad Kamble
While the skatepark is open till 10 pm, avoid late evenings to escape the incessant traffic noises while you skate
2018: The skatepark is proposed as part of the BMC's beautification plans
April 2023: The construction of the skating bowl is completed
June 2023: The first and last large-scale event attracts more than 100 members
2023-2026: The spot falls prey to sanitation, drainage, and security woes
June 2026: Resident Harsh Chaubey's viral post leads to Mayor Ritu Tawde's site visit. Cleaning begins
September 2026: The first meet-up post-revival brings old and new skaters back to the park
Hoping for the best Russell Lopez, 41, senior skater, Skateboarding in Mumbai (SIM)
Having lived in the area for more than 40 years, I've seen the skatepark go from a promising venue, to being used as a parking lot, a sleeping spot by the homeless, and eventually a garbage dump. Skaters slowly disappeared from the equation. I'm happy about the revival. But key issues like flood-proofing and dust-proofing remain. It's great to have a part of the culture back, but we can only hope that the BMC continues to support the idea when a more lucrative option pops up.
Let's get equal Tulika Naag, 23, skater
I was here when the skatepark opened. I can't put into words how it felt to see a perfectly fine skatepark turn into ruins. With the park back, I'm hoping to invite more women into the skateboarding culture.
That's a first Khushi Shah, 25, working professional
It's not only my first time here, but also my first day on a skateboard. I always wanted to pick up the sport, but skateparks in Bandra and Borivli were far away. I hope I can come here every weekend and hone my skills.
