The first Meanwhile skate park was built in 1976 and offered skaters a large flat surface with a few curved upright walls. BMX riders soon adopted the space and so did roller skaters! In the year 2000 the original skate park was replaced. Three interlocking bowls with a half pipe section, ramps, hips, humps and bumps put a fantastic free state-of-the-art community sports facility firmly on the map. Skaters and other small wheel enthusiasts travel from all over the country and further to ride at Meanwhile. Guys and gals who rode the bowl as kids returned to teach their children to skate! Today, the well used, much loved concrete bowl is in need of some serious repair/modernisation. Small cracks have grown, the surface is coarse & rough from years of use. Large chunks of concrete have fallen away, the fencing is falling down and the weather beaten space is becoming too dangerous to ride. As Meanwhile Gardens has celebrated its 40th anniversary, this unique facility now needs urgent TLC!
What we'll deliver:
- Upgrade the condition of the smallest bowl and add some new features
- Replace the safety fencing
- Add some new seating and litter bins
Why it's a great idea:
Meanwhile is an open access, FREE community sporting facility that appeals to a range of small wheeled enthusiasts such as of skateboarders, BMX and scooter riders, roller bladers, roller skaters and parkour fans. People of all ages are attracted to these relatively cheap forms of physical activity - no gym membership needed and all in the unique natural setting of a 4 acre community garden. Meanwhile welcomes kids learning to skate, teenagers practicing, grownups who have mastered their skills and are now teaching their young ones. The harmony that flows in the bowl is fantastic to watch or join in with. Skaters have voiced their concern that if the facility is not repaired soon they will no longer be able to ride this legendary skate park. Situated in an area of exceptionally high social deprivation, Meanwhile gives many young people free recreational and sporting opportunities that enable them to keep fit and active as well as an outdoor space to socialise in and enjoy.
Steps to get it done:
- Consult skaters and users of Meanwhile on ideas for the upgrade of the facility
- Invite concrete skate park specialists to put forward their ideas
- Select the right company to work with
- Make sure the budget is in place
- Close off the site and commence the works
- Plan an opening event
People love to watch and encourage the skaters - it's a great spectators sport. Skateboarding will be a new sport at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games in Japan. The upgrade and improvement of the Meanwhile Gardens Skate Park could help grow future Olympians, supporting them in their practice for the games - this could be the next great free sporting venue for London! Recent statistics state that violent crime is on the rise in this part of North Kensington. In an area with reduced opportunities and high crime rates our skate park is a safe haven for the entire community. This community asset draws people from across the borough and beyond, providing a unique outlet that ultimately promotes wellbeing and includes everybody.
