Work about to begin on two new skateparks (From The Argus)

Work about to begin on two new skateparks

9:35am Saturday 5th May 2012 in News

SKATERS are to get two new parks to jump and grind.

Work is aboutto start on a skatepark in Woodingdean and another in Hollingdean.

Skaters at the Deans Youth Project in Woodingdean have been involved in designing and fundraising for the skatepark at Bexhill Road playground.

Work on the £130,000 skatepark will be completed by July and will include a bowl, ramps and other street skating features.

Ashley Newman and Stephen Prole, founder members of the Bexhill Road skatepark steering group that was set up by young people to raise funds for the project, said: “We are so proud that the plan we started in 2005 is about to become reality.

“Young people have been involved throughout in research, planning, fundraising and design.”

Ward councillor Dee Simson said: “It is really exciting and is the culmination of years of work.

“It is amazing and it will cater for all ages. It will be really good quality and for both amateur and professional skaters.”

In Hollingdean work is due to start next week on a new £75,000 skatepark in Hollingdean Park, off Lynchet Close.

The skatepark is being funded by the Big Lottery Community Spaces Programme, Brighton and Hove City Council and Hollingdean Development Trust.

It will replace old metal and wood skating ramps and is due to be completed in early June.

Keen skateboarder James Roberts, who owns surf and skate shop Ocean Sport, said it was good news for skaters.

He said: “From the kids’ point of view the more facilities the council provide then they have somewhere to go rather than hanging round the streets.

“Back in my day we had nowhere but now these kids have used petitions and awareness and got facilities built.”