The idea
A temporary skate park has recently been introduced to our village where weekly supervised ramp sessions take place during the summer months in the Village Hall car-park. Currently attending the sessions are local children who bring their own equipment (bikes, scooters, skate boards etc) but also have access to equipment provided free of charge by the skatepark. The skatepark is growing in popularity however use of this temporary facility is very limited to only 2 hours per week and needs to be supervised by a qualified youth worker .
Our aim is to ensure the continuation of the ramp sessions by improving the equipment available such as installing extra ramps and purchasing more skateboards/scooters and safety equipment (helmets and pads etc) to accomodate the growing number of children using the facility, also to repair and maintain the equipment that we currently have to ensure its longevity. We would also seek to increase the amount of sessions that we are able to run if possible.
What we'll deliver
- Continued ramp/skate sessions
- Install new equipment
- repair and maintenance of equipment
Why it's a great idea
Skateboard/scooters are a fun outdoor activity enjoyed by children and youths of all ages. its popularity will continue to grow once skateboarding makes its debut as an official sport at the 2020 Olympics.
A temporary skate/scooter park has been set up in our village and has seen the attendance continue to grow on an almost weekly basis. Parents are very keen to support its continuation and hope eventually for a permanant facility as the current car park surface is old, uneven, damaged and not compatable to the small wheels of skateboards and scooters.
The park provides a regular ongoing outdoor recreation and fitness session for young people in this, and nearby villages, without the need to travel. Also, it is aimed at the younger and middle aged children as the larger skateparks can be somewhat intimidating. There are currently several housing projects in the village which will soon increase its size by approx 60 houses, so the number of children will only continue to rise.
Steps to get it done
- Improve the fitness and 'community spirit' of the youngsters.
- Continue the skate/ramp sessions for a further 12 months
- Purchase a minimum of 5 new skateboards/scooters
- Purchase a minimum of 2 new skate ramps
- Purchase new safety equipment
The project was initiated following consultation with residents during the completion of the parish plan. Further soundings were then taken by the Council with parents and teachers.
Since its installation popularity has continued to grow, particularly with the recent introduction of 'pop-up' events to raise funds such as BBQ's and soon some live demonstrations.
