Drop-in session announced about proposed new skatepark for Kingsbridge

A drop-in session for people to find out more about the proposed new skatepark for Kingsbridge has been announced.

The Kingsbridge Skatepark Community group, with South Hams District Council, Kingsbridge Town Council and Wheelscape are hosting a drop-in session for local residents to find out more about the proposed new skatepark for Kingsbridge.

The session will take place between 4 and 7pm on Thursday 1st June at either the Kingsbridge Library or a few yards away at Quay House. Plans will be on display showing what the skatepark would look like along with proposed landscaping of the bank above the skatepark.

Local residents are invited to stop by to look at the plans and members of the Kingsbridge Skatepark Community group, Wheelscape and a District Council officer will be on hand to talk through the proposals.

Leading Kingsbridge Skatepark Community group member Adam Sherring said: “Following the overwhelming support from the community earlier this year with our Crowdfunder campaign and positive conversations with funders, we are working hard to build on the momentum and make this project happen quickly for young people in Kingsbridge.

"We want to share the final design for the skatepark with all residents which our local skaters and riders having been improving and tweaking alongside our contractor Wheelscape.”

As well as the designs for the skatepark, the proposal for addressing one of the recognised problems with the current skatepark will be on display – that of branches, leaves and debris falling from the trees overhanging the area which can be expected to become increasingly problematic in the future.

Adam added: “We have worked closely with various officers at the district council, along with tree consultants and more recently a landscape architect to make sure we understood the trees that were next to the skatepark and could find a positive way forward to ensure the new skatepark doesn’t suffer the same problems as the current one.

"To make the proposal work we are suggesting that we replace some of the existing poor-quality trees with ones that work in this prominent location, and importantly result in a new skatepark facility is one that is usable all year round.

"We can replant trees that thrive in these conditions and will be suitable throughout their lifetime alongside surrounding leisure facilities – the right trees in the right place unlike the current situation. We are confident that replacing them is the right approach and we can give more information at our drop-in session about how the new design will really improve the area and make it a more enjoyable place to visit.”

Elliot Hamilton from Wheelscape adds: "By including the local community in the re-design, spending time at the school, on the site and in the local area, we have created a skatepark that is unique to Kingsbridge, making the most of the Creekside location and offering many one-off features.

"Soon the town can take proud ownership of their new skatepark and start reaping the physical and social benefits that come from using a high quality, in-situ concrete skatepark designed by Wheelscape, for Kingsbridge. We can't wait to get started."

As well as plans being on display at the drop-in session, the plans will also be displayed after the event at the skatepark and on Wheelscape’s website where you will be able to make comment: www.wheelscape.co.uk/kingsbridge-coming-soon.

Keep an eye on the groups Facebook page a ‘Kingsbridge Skatepark’ for more updates.'