Entre memórias e inovações: impactos de uma pista de skate na convivência escolar e no pertencimento comunitário

BACKGROUND: With its consolidation as a physical activity, skateboarders have invaded urban spaces. In the pursuit of indoctrinating or promoting skateboarding as a sport, there has been an exponential growth in the number of skate parks across Brazil. This article is part of a dissertation defended at PROEF Unioeste, where the professor-researcher discovered that, in the early 2000s, a skatepark was built at the school targeted by his research.OBJECTIVE: Considering the date of the skateboarding facility founding and the fact that skateboarding is still underrepresented in educational practices, this study aims to understand the objectives for the construction of the skatepark within the school environment and to understand its impacts on different aspects (cultural, social, and educational) in the school community.METHODS: A qualitative exploratory study, based on a case study was employed, conducted through four interviews with the school principal and three former skateboarders who practice skateboarding in the school environment.RESULTS: The construction of the skatepark contributed to the elimination of vandalism and strengthened the students' connection with the school environment, enabling access to skate culture, promoting coexistence, friendships, overcoming stereotypes, and new social and cultural experiences.CONCLUSION: The inclusion of skateboarding in the school proved to be an effective strategy against the depredation of property and favored the inclusion, belonging, and civic education of the students. Although the skatepark no longer exists, its legacy remains in the learning and memories of the participants, highlighting the educational and social potential of this practice.