At the end of last week, we took some time out to pop down to Ventnor Skate Park and find out how the renovation work was going.
It might not be obvious at first glance, but there has been a great deal of work taking place down at the skate park over recent weeks.
We managed to nab John Cattle for a few minutes to talk us through the stages of work that have taken place.
New drainage
One problem that the ramps were subject to in the past was rain water run off from the cliff face. This not only damaged the ramps but also after time, undermined the foundations, compromising the safety of the ramps. That problem has now been resolved with the addition of new gullies and drainage. Over the Bestival weekend, instead of wading through the mud at Robin Hill, John was crawling under the ramps, fitting the drainage pipes.
Earlier in the month John, Tom, John and Boney worked tirelessly from 10am-6pm removing six tonnes of rubble from the site. A new concrete wall was been built for the drainage exit pipes and hardcore has now been laid around the ramps in preparation for the delivery of concrete.
Volunteers needed for concrete pouring
Talking of which …. next Saturday, Bardon Vectis will be pouring the concrete and volunteers are need to help out. If you can come and help please do, or if you can’t but know someone who can, please send them down.
The regulars will be on site from 7am getting things ready for the first delivery of concrete at 8am. This will continue throughout the day, so any help that can be given would be much appreciated.
Ramp damage
Unfortunately some over-enthusiastic skaters have recently caused damage to the skate park when tearing down the fences and removing the scaffold bars from the ramps.
The scaffold bars were thrown down on top of the new gullies and although it’s not clear yet whether they have caused substantial damage (the pipes will need to be tested and repaired before Saturday), it’s all additional work for those who are giving up their time to get the skate park back to working order and safe for everyone to use.
John told us that if the eager skaters can just hold on a little bit longer, they’ll be stoked at the new changes.
It was pretty windy on Friday morning, so apologies for wind on the microphone at the start if the interview (it eases off after the first 30 secs or so)
[audio:http://otw-audio.s3.amazonaws.com/ventnor-skate-park-john-cattle-progress-october.mp3]
