Teenagers in Ellesmere Port helped design a new skateboard area is aimed to stop them hanging around street corners.
The new equipment, which cost £118,000, was opened by deputy mayor Cllr Keith Butcher. It includes; a quarter pipe, steps, jump box and a wall ramp. Something that web users felt was missing from Ellesmere Port. “They are building a skate park in Whitby Park. This skate park has been delayed and cancelled so many times its unbelievable. Please help us we need somewhere proper to skate.” (http://knowhere.co.uk/3458_skatestuff.html)
Parks development office Mary Lavery realised that there was a need for the area; “The ‘wheelspark’ was a facility which was requested by users as there were no facilities this side of the borough.”
The local skateboarders and BMX bikers used to gather in an area of open space in the town centre. Local resident Anne Percival of Fairfield Avenue thinks it’s a good idea; “it’s got to be better than them hanging around the civic hall, it was intimating walking through there on a Saturday afternoon, its money well spent.”
Mrs Lavery explained: “The police regularly patrol the park, we also have gardeners on site most days and the location was selected to be as central and open as possible to discourage negative users. Facilities tend to be self managed with users working with each other rather than against each other.”
The equipment has been put in the specially designated “youth area” of the park, close to the tennis courts. The new plan is all part of the ongoing development of Whitby Park.
Youngsters were asked to go along on yesterday, to the official opening of the skate park and try it out for themselves. One 13 year old boy said; “it’s great, me and my friends will have a really good laugh here.”
“Tribe” a professional skateboarding organisation were on hand at the launch to offer tips to the teenagers, advice on how to look after the equipment and also to give demonstrations. Billabong, a skaters shop located on Cheshire Oaks were also at the launch, giving away freebies and running competitions to win lessons.
A 12 year old spectator said; “it’s been fun, I got lots of fee stuff. I was too scared to try but ill definitely come and watch.”
Another idea behind the new “wheels park” is to get kids in the area more active, and keep them occupied. The scheme is being backed by Sport England. Ellesmere Port and Neston Borough Council, Landfill Communities Funds of Waste Recycling Group Ltd have also provided funds for the new area.
The set up of this new equipment is all part of the Community Sport Network launch to promote good health and an active lifestyle. Other planned activities include cycling, boccia, golf, basketball, family dance, Pilates and a treasure hunt.
The cycling has already been launched. Every Tuesday and Thursday, people can go to the park and pick up a free bike for an accompanied ride around the park, Stanney woods or along the Shropshire Union Canal.
This scheme is run by North West based charity ‘Cycling Projects.’ Places are already limited.
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