Woodward, the sports company known for its impressive on-mountain parks and indoor sports facilities, has announced its first ever facility outside of the United States, set to be built in the land down under. The new urban center, located in the Castle Hill suburb in Sydney, Australia, will focus on a multitude of different sports and skill levels.
“Growing beyond the North America market to overseas has been a goal of ours for a number of years and the expansion of Woodward Urban Centers is our next frontier. Woodward Sydney will be our most innovative concept to date – and a model for future Urban Centers. We have historically been known as the place to go if you are an aspirational professional athlete, but we want all Woodward locations to also be focused on empowering athletes of all abilities and age levels to safely progress on a clear path at their own pace using our unique blend of innovative environments, dynamic programming, and passionate staff. Woodward Sydney will epitomize that mission.” – Woodward President Chris “Gunny” Gunnarson according to a Woodward news release.
Skiing, snowboarding, skateboarding, BMX, rock climbing, and general fitness will all be a focus of the facility, and specific features include climbing and bouldering walls, mini ramps and a mega ramp, a skatepark, trampolines, and much more. Additionally, a café and bar will be opened overlooking the rest of the facility, so one can enjoy some coffee or a drink while watching the action below. In total, the facility will take up three floors and 68,000 square feet.
Woodward has also announced major development to two of their existing facilities. Woodward Pennsylvania is set to see a 42,000 square foot renovation with a multisport progression hub and and indoor skatepark. Several outdoor parks, including a reimagined snake run, are also in the works. At Woodward West, one 23,000 square foot building is set to become another multisport facility, including facilities for parkour and climbing.
The company has also promised to make the inclusion of women in action sports a priority through the future, establishing the Women in Action Sports Advisory Council to focus on an increase in representation and opportunities for girls and woman in the world of action sports.
“It’s no secret that action sports have historically been male dominated and while we’ve seen that start to shift in recent years, we have the chance with the Women in Action Sports Advisory Council to be the catalyst for the realization of safety, inclusion and empowerment for women and girls through sport inspiration and motivation” – Olympic medalist and VP of Camp Experiences & Programming at Woodward Global Phoebe Mills, according to a Woodward news release.
Image & Video Credit: Woodward
