Freshwater Parish Council’s plans to build a new Skatepark and pump track has now moved to the next stage.
One tender was received from Gravity Engineering Ltd and it was agreed to accept the tender.
Further consultation
There will be further consultation with residents, site visit for councillors and some local riders to other parks built by the Gravity, design adaptation to meet the requirements of local riders, meeting with the Gravity designers and securing the required funding.
Initial designs have been released to the public for consultation.
Get in touch
Freshwater Parish Council have asked local riders to get in touch and let them know their thoughts so we can agree final designs.
You can contact the Parish Council at [email protected].
Freshwater Parish Council welcome any interest in sponsorship for the new park and pump track.
Further background and context
Freshwater skatepark is coming to the end of its life with repairs and upkeep becoming increasingly costly. The current skatepark has served its purpose and has always been popular, but its design and location doesn’t fit with current thinking. The proposal is to build something that has a long life, is sympathetic in design to its surroundings, an asset to the community and something for all riders and ages to enjoy. The design of the park must be challenging for the most proficient riders but also have an area for beginners and small children.
A Valuable Asset for the Community
The design of the park will accommodate all riders (Skateboard, Scooter, Bikes, Roller skate, Rollerblade, and wheelchairs etc), have a long life and be attractive and welcoming to all. With careful landscaping and planting we will create a park where families can have a picnic, where people want to come and spend time to watch, will participate or both. Investment in the younger generation is an investment for the future of our community.
A pump track is a circuit of rollers, banked turns and features designed to be ridden completely by riders “pumping “, (generating momentum by up and down body movements, instead of pedalling or pushing). Pump tracks were originally designed for the mountain bike and BMX scene, but now are designed to accommodate all riders including wheelchair users and there are very popular. Pump tracks are relatively simple to use, cheap to construct, and cater to a wide variety of rider skill levels. The IOW does not have a Pump Track, so this would be the very first one. A Pump Track in the West Wight would attract interest from right across the Island and a great asset for West Wight tourism.
Recent figures published by SkateboardGB show a huge growth in the popularity of skateboarding since the start of the pandemic, with a rise of over 70,000 people in the UK participating in the sport, with the largest growth being with females getting on a board for the first time.
Health Benefits – Physical and Mental
Skateboarding is great exercise, as you use most parts of your body to skate. You can burn up to 600 calories in an hour.
Skateboarding is good for your Mental health and well-being. Figures have shown a growth in anxiety owing to the pandemic, with over two-thirds of people feeling worried about the effect COVID-19 will have on their life, with over half feeling stressed and bored. Skateboarding is also great for building self-esteem, social competence, and respect for others.
Reduction in Anti-social behaviour
With new skateparks being built around the Country by local Councils it has been reported that anti-social behaviour has reduced at these locations.
As reported by ‘Street Patrol UK’ on BBC1, Inspector Les Fry stated that the new Skatepark in Dorchester has contributed to a drop in anti-social behaviour by 45%. Dorchester Section Commander, said:
“This reduction is a tremendous result for the town and shows the real value of having such a good facility for young people.
“The Park is the place to go, either to take part or just to sit and watch. The young people are extremely good at policing it themselves and looking after the younger and less experienced park users. Data shows that the park has had a positive impact and is not just a short-lived flash in the pan.
“Reported anti-social behaviour is down compared to the three previous years’ statistics and the trend is continuing. It’s great.”
The growing need for autonomy during adolescence and increasing socialisation encourage teenagers to spend more time away from home, but where can they go? One of the prevalent oppositions to skate parks does not relate to skating per se, but rather to the fact that they are venues where young people “hang out”, with skate parks often doubling an informal space where skating and non-skating youths congregate.
“Hanging-out” is sometimes frowned upon by members of the broader community who believe it is an unproductive pursuit and encourages antisocial behaviour. Despite this perception, “hanging-out” is an important part of adolescent social development.
The Future
Freshwater Parish Council are investing £60K this year into the project with another £60K planned for next year. Freshwater Parish Council are now looking at all avenues of Community Fundraising to try and match the funding from the Parish.
We are looking at Grants, Fund Raising, Sponsorship and Advertising.
We are looking for financial support via donations, sponsorship, and possible advertising and looking for anyone that can help with the use of machinery and materials for the project.
News shared by Paul on behalf of Freshwater Parish Council. Ed
