As we mentioned earlier in the week, on Saturday afternoon VentnorBlog went along to the official opening of the new Sandown Skate Park, The Fort.
Taking lead in the proceedings was Sandown South Councillor and Sandown Mayor, Ian Ward.
As explained by Cllr Val Stephenson earlier in the week, the project from start to finish, had taken around seven years to complete.
Ian told us that project started off with the initial idea, which led to drawings being prepared. Extensive research was needed, as well as costings and of course, fund raising.
In our chat, Ian praised the Isle of Wight Council for handing over the land for a peppercorn rent, as well as allowing use of Fort Street car park for a fundraising event, from which all proceeds will go to phase two of the project.
Situated next to the skate park, phase two with be multi-purpose games area, which will also house a youth shelter.
Ian tells us that young people are coming from all over Island to use the facilities, which is encouraging to see. It’s a great way for young people from different corners of the Island to socialise, in fact, we met skaters who’d come down from Ryde to use the ramps.
Apparently, White Air were keen to use the skate park for the festival at the weekend, but the Town Council felt that they would prefer this year, to keep it open for the use of the local skaters.
Ian did go onto say however, that there is now a great opportunity for White Air to spread further afield than just the Yaverland car park, and that the Town Council were flexible to the idea of The Fort being used in future years.
Have a listen to what else Ian has to say by clicking on the play button below
[audio:http://otw-audio.s3.amazonaws.com/sandown-skate-park-ian-ward.mp3]
