Article categories: News
Tony painted a 15-metre graffiti to brighten up the indoor skatepark
Published: 24.1.2025
A new graffiti mural, around 15 metres long, now adorns the back wall of Vaasa's indoor skatepark. The stunning artwork was created by Tony Laine, a seasoned graffiti artist from Vaasa, also known by his pseudonym ‘Laine K5’.
Laine created the artwork at his own expense, covering the cost of the paint himself and not charging the City of Vaasa for his work.
– I wanted to brighten up the skatepark with a bit of colour. Skateboarding and graffiti art go hand in hand, and there are also graffiti on the outside walls of the skatepark, Tony Laine explains.
The exterior walls of the indoor skatepark, managed by the City of Vaasa’s Youth Services, are one of Vaasa’s designated graffiti painting locations.
Laine has been painting for over 20 years and has also had a go with skateboarding. He has done many commissioned works across Finland and has also led graffiti workshops for children and young people.
Before and after
The artist wishes to see more art on the skatepark walls
Indoor skatepark in Vaasa was renovated in 2023 when the local skateboarding association Vaasa Skate ry built new, more versatile ramps for the hall using entirely recycled materials, as part of a volunteer project. Laine would also like to see more art on the interior walls of the park.
I’m sure artists would be willing to contribute, as long as the paint is paid for, Laine hints.
Mika Pietilä, Director of Youth Affairs for the City of Vaasa, is very pleased with Laine’s proactivity in wanting to paint the graffiti and even funding the paint himself.
– In Youth Services, we are exploring the possibility of funding paint for new graffiti murals. And if anyone would like to sponsor the paint, we would be very happy and I believe the local youth would appreciate it as well, Pietilä adds.
The indoor skatepark is open to all, free of charge
The Vaasa indoor skatepark is located in Huutoniemi, and it is free of charge for everyone.
The park has separate time slots for people of different ages, using different equipment. There is also a dedicated time slot for girls, aimed at lowering the threshold for getting started with skateboarding.
Youth Services keeps the skatepark open from 14.00 to 21.00 on weekdays and rents it out on weekends, for example, for birthdays.