A popular Isle of Wight skatepark has been closed for nearly two weeks after vandals damaged the wooden ramps.
Extensive repairs are said to be needed at the Ryde seafront skatepark and for health and safety reasons it has to remain closed until the repairs can be made.
Future of park in the balance
With funding pressures and the need to find new cash streams, the future of the skatepark is to be discussed at the end of the month.
Ryde Town Council (RTC) maintain the park, but in recent months halved the skatepark’s future budget, while a decision is made about its future.
It has said it has no intention of closing the skatepark, but a plan is needed to make the existing, ageing structures safe in the short term.
Not caused by users of the skatepark
A council spokesperson said the current damage was not caused by genuine skatepark users as they are the first and best line of protection for the park as they have a vested interest in keeping it as safe as possible.
The council warned users to not jump the locked gate or force entry as closure signs keep being torn down.
Survey: Half responding said invest in concrete park
A survey conducted earlier this year asked Ryde residents what they think should happen to the skatepark.
More than half of respondents said the council should invest in a concrete skatepark, which would cost roughly £200,000 and be funded by a loan.
Funding for coming year cut
The option the council opted for — receiving 20 per cent public support in the consultation — was to cut funding.
It would reduce from £15,000 last year, to £7,500 and provide one last year of funding. When that ran out, RTC would close the skatepark and look for further grant funding.
Another option suggested closing the skatepark from April until a suitable alternative was found.
Options for improved skatepark being explored
A RTC spokesperson said they are now exploring options for a new, improved and extended concrete skatepark and looking at grant funding opportunities.
The Skatepark Users’ Group will meet to discuss the improvements needed and help formulate an interim plan for RTC to get the park open as soon as possible.
A RTC spokesperson said,
“The site has been vandalised, it is difficult to see how some of the damage could have happened through natural wear and tear.”
The Sovereign skatepark at the Arc in Oakfield is currently open.
Article edit
4pm 20th Apr 2023 – Final quote from RTC added
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
Image: © Ryde SkatePark Users Group
