Getting their skates on at new Whitchurch facility
A skate park that has been in the pipeline for more than a decade has officially opened.
The launch of Whitchurch’s new £80,000 facility in Jubilee Park was celebrated with a full day of activities for skateboarders and BMX riders.
Professional skateboarders were also on hand to share their tips and tricks with the public. It was opened by mayor Tony Neville who said it is great to see the long-awaited skate park finally in use. He said: “I officially cut the ribbon to open the skate park today and Whitchurch Town Council is very pleased that this facility is finally being used. The townspeople have been waiting a long time for this new skate park and many young people and their families came along today to join in the fun and celebrate with us.”
The event was run by King Ramps, a skateboarding and BMX company, and was rounded off with a competition for local youngsters to show off their skills.
Town clerk, Nicola Young, added: “We crossed our fingers with the weather forecast and we had been blessed with a dry, sunny day for the skate park opening.
“Thanks to Canvas Spaces, the construction company, who provided some professional skaters who were giving demonstrations and running competitions.
“King Ramps were also on site with a pump track which was free to use for everyone. There were many young people of all ages having great fun together. It was great to watch the fun of a skate park integrate all ages.” Previous plans for a skate park on Jubilee Park and at Sir John Talbot’s Technology College foundered, leaving youngsters disappointed and disillusioned about the scheme ever happening.
The idea was mooted more than 10 years ago but ran into a number of problems with funding.
The project, which is a joint venture between the town council and Shropshire council, then hit the rocks last year when a major grant was refused.
But in December, it was revealed the money had been sourced and a contractor had been hired to carry out the work.
