Craig Constantine

On Castbox.fm — Blake Evitt | The Parkour Community within the Larger Urban Fabric

How can Parkour communities foster diversity and inclusivity while balancing the growth of gym-based models and maintaining engagement with broader urban and local spaces?

Inclusivity in Parkour is not just ethical but also essential for long-term business growth.

Building a strong and diverse community is not something that is against your business interests. […] A lot of the models are based on a gym only model, which means that we are kind of vastly under serving and ignoring and kind of walling ourselves off from large swaths of the population.
~ Blake Evitt (4:44)

The conversation focuses on the intersection between Parkour as a growing industry and its role in fostering diverse and inclusive communities. One recurring theme is the tension between the rise of gym-based Parkour models and the need to engage with broader urban environments to ensure accessibility. Gym-centric models risk excluding those who cannot afford memberships or lack access to gym facilities. Outdoor training and public space utilization are emphasized as strategies to broaden participation and maintain Parkour’s original roots.

Another topic highlights the role of community leaders in shaping public perception of Parkour. Positive engagement with local governments, schools, and community centers can open doors to wider recognition and acceptance. Initiatives such as after-school programs and collaboration with recreation departments are presented as effective ways to expand outreach. The importance of coaching standards, insurance, and building relationships with diverse groups is also underlined as key to sustainable growth.

Takeaways

Building diverse communities — Inclusion and diversity benefit both the Parkour community and business interests.

Gym-only models — Limiting Parkour to gyms excludes large segments of the population and reduces growth potential.

Public space use — Training outdoors fosters visibility, normalizes Parkour, and improves public perception.

Community engagement — Partnerships with schools, recreation departments, and community centers expand reach and deepen community ties.

Coaching and standards — Developing coaching skills and engaging with certifications enhances professionalism and safety.

Insurance barriers — Finding insurance for outdoor training remains a challenge but is critical for growth beyond gym walls.

Urban integration — Viewing Parkour as part of the urban fabric encourages outreach in varied settings beyond major cities.

Long-term perception — Positive public behavior directly influences Parkour’s reputation and future opportunities.

Resources

Parkour Generations — Organization involved in Parkour coaching, events, and leadership.

Art of Retreat — The leadership and education retreat for the Parkour community.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

Blake Evitt: Travel, community and personal growth

What role does community involvement and accessibility play in shaping inclusive, multigenerational spaces for Parkour and movement practice?

Blake Evitt discusses the importance of partnering with your community, creating multigenerational spaces for training, as well as how he does that in his hometown of Boston. He unpacks the influence that traveling had on his training, coaching, and business, as well as his own personal growth. Blake shares his thoughts on a number of subjects, including becoming vegetarian, the ADAPT coaching qualifications, and the United States Parkour Association.

Our goal with the park was to make a multigenerational movement space, not just a place where Parkour can happen but also a place where people can explore and be comfortable.
~ Blake Evitt (3:37)

The conversation explores how Parkour can serve as a tool for creating inclusive, multigenerational community spaces. A key focus is the development of public Parkour spaces, particularly in Somerville, Boston, where Parkour generations have helped design and steward municipally funded parks. The dialogue highlights the integration of Parkour for all ages, with specific classes for children, adults, and older practitioners, ensuring accessibility and fostering a communal experience. The discussion underscores the importance of designing spaces that allow for interaction across generations and between different activities, such as skateboarding and basketball.

Blake Evitt’s personal journey through international travel and cultural exchange plays a significant role in shaping his approach to Parkour and community building. His experiences training with Parkour groups worldwide inform his leadership in Parkour Generations Americas and the growth of Parkour Generations Boston. The interview touches on Evitt’s coaching philosophy, the significance of adapting Parkour for older adults, and the broader value of Parkour as a means of personal development, community engagement, and positive social change.

Takeaways

Community-driven Parkour spaces — The creation of municipally funded Parkour parks can foster multigenerational interaction and community engagement.

Inclusivity in coaching — Offering classes for different age groups, including older adults and young children, increases accessibility and broadens participation in Parkour.

Travel as professional growth — Exposure to global Parkour communities enriches personal development and informs local initiatives and coaching practices.

Public Parkour spaces — Collaborative efforts with city governments to build Parkour spaces ensure long-term stewardship and positive community relations.

Adaptive teaching methods — Classes are designed to accommodate varying physical capabilities, promoting longevity and inclusivity in the practice.

Cultural exchange through Parkour — Hosting international events like American Rendezvous creates opportunities for idea sharing and global collaboration.

Integrating Parkour into family life — Simultaneous adult and children’s classes encourage family participation and deepen community ties.

Coaching as a refined skill — Effective Parkour coaching requires development and refinement, similar to technical Parkour skills.

The role of competition — Personal goal-setting and competition provide structure and drive for practitioners, complementing non-competitive aspects of Parkour.

Resources

Parkour Generations Boston — The Boston branch of Parkour Generations, focusing on inclusive community programs and coaching.

Parkour Generations Americas — The parent organization overseeing Parkour Generations branches in the U.S., supporting growth and community engagement.

American Rendezvous — A large international Parkour event in Boston fostering cross-cultural exchange and community building.

Adapt Qualifications — International Parkour coaching certification program, emphasizing structured coaching development.

United States Parkour Association (USPK) — National organization fostering collaboration, safety standards, and community growth in the Parkour community.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)