Councillors in Kesgrave are hopeful more mobile skatepark sessions can be organised for the summer after the success of the half term skatepark – and could be a temporary solution to the demand for a permanent area.
A mobile skatepark was set up in the grounds of Cedarwood Primary School over the half term using equipment Kesgrave Town Council acquired.
Primary aged pupils were able to use it in the mornings while secondary age youngsters could do so in the evening.
Volunteer skateboarding coaches, who had been trained by top professional Denham Hill, led the sessions, and reported that more than 70 youngsters used the temporary set-up.
Christine Marsh, service development co-ordinator at Kesgrave Town Council who has helped organise the skatepark, said: “The event which was held at Cedarwood Primary School was well supported and feedback from the children and their parents has been very positive. Seventy-four young people attended across the week.”
Now, following the success of the inaugural skatepark, councillors will discuss whether further sessions can take place over the summer, subject to the volunteers being available.
Mrs Marsh said: “Skateboarding has been accepted as an Olympic Sport for the 2020 games in Tokyo, it is events like these that spark and interest that may lead to them to taking up the sport seriously and being picked up as future Olympians.
“Kesgrave does not currently have permanent skatepark facilities, and councillors will discuss at their community and recreation committee whether further sessions with the equipment could be planned over the summer but it is dependent upon the volunteers being willing and able to be available.
“Residents’ input into any future development of Kesgrave is currently being encouraged as the town council works on its Neighbourhood Plan.”
The provision of a skatepark for teenagers in Kesgrave has been a long-running issue for the town, with petitions having been underway for more than 15 years, although finding a location far enough away from housing has meant this has not been possible.
It is hoped that a mobile skatepark can be a solution to the issue for now, if volunteers are able to commit and the school can continue to house the sessions.
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