WENDOVER SKATE PARK

Why are we building a skatepark?

In all our engagement with the young people of Wendover and the groups who look after young people we find that a lack of facilities is at the top of the list. Young people are often demonised, sometimes without understanding why they are "getting up to no good". A skatepark is not a panacea for all the problems in Wendover but it is a part of the solution. By offering a space where they have ownership of and encouraging young people to a space to be creative or just be together to chat or watch some of the skills on display. The skatepark and location were highlighted in a survey we conducted on facilities - click here to see that survey.

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With physical and mental health issues becoming increasingly important for today’s youth, it’s time to offer a greater number of healthy, outdoor choices. With skateboarding now an Olympic sport participation in the sport has never been as high as it is now. Whilst it will be called a skatepark it will be suitable for all wheeled sports such as scootering, BMXing and rollerblading. Careful design of the skatepark will mean it is suitable for all ages and abilities.

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As the facility will be free to use it is accessible to everyone. Wheeled activities in a carried out in a skatepark is much safer than in the streets, currently the only option for users in Wendover is to use private premises (such as School Car Parks and Industrial unit parking) which creates friction in the community. Skateparks support vibrant, healthy communities, just like many other sports facilities. 

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The adopted Wendover Neighbourhood Plan specifically refers to a Skatepark as one of the projects to be delivered.

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Planning Permission has been granted

 

Planning Permission has been granted and as a part of the process some of the key considerations were:

Noise - The skatepark design and construction is to reduce noise and the lower ramps (max height 1.3m) also help with that problem.

Noise - The closest property boundary line is 31m from the perimeter of the park, with most local properties well within noise requirements 

Environment - Sadly, at the moment there is no other way of constructing the park without using concrete. To offset the issues a number of trees are being planted around the park as well as wild flower areas.

Anti Social Behaviour - the Skatepark is in a public space and overlooked, plus the Parish Council are looking into CCTV options to cover the park

Anti Social Behaviour - In general, where skateparks are installed, local Anti Social Behaviour is less of an issue as parks become relevant and accessible to young people. This is a positive channel of their energy and creativity.

Anti Social Behaviour - The park will not be floodlit in the evenings and will therefore, like the rest of Ashbrook will not be a late night draw for crowds.

Accessibility - The skatepark has been designed to have accessible spaces and young children on scooters can use the facility as easily as some of the older skateboarders. The more experienced boarders can still use elements of the park to perfect more professional tricks.​

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​Why are we still looking for funding?

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The Parish Council provides many services to local people, which is paid for as an additional amount of money on the Council Tax bill - known as the Precept. We work hard to keep the Precept as low as possible, without cutting services and keeping a balanced budget. We intend to build this skate park without having to raise any costs for residents who are already suffering due to the cost of living crisis. We have raised money from other funders but are not quite there yet and your support will help us to deliver this service without having to increase the burden on the local purse.

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How we’ll spend the money raised?

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All money will go directly into building the skatepark and not the general council budgets. ​