Skateboarders celebrate park go-ahead
YOUNGSTERS today welcomed news that Felixstowe is at long last about to get a skate park.
YOUNGSTERS today welcomed news that Felixstowe is at long last about to get a skate park.
Thanks to a £50,000 grant from the government's Play Builder scheme, the £160,000 project is set to become reality in the New Year - after nearly 20 years of campaigning.
Despite residents' continuing concerns over the choice of land off Grange Farm Avenue for the park, youngsters are promising the project which successive generations of skateboarders and BMX riders have wanted will be well used and looked after.
Members of the Felixstowe skate space group, based at Level Two youth project, which has been raising funds for the venture, said they were thrilled at the latest grant, which virtually completes the fund.
“Now we know we will be able to afford the park, we can focus on the actual park design, and find the perfect park for Felixstowe,” said group member Harley Cotton.
“We really want to get the message to the residents that the skate park will bring a positive vibe to the park and benefit the community. Bring on the trumpets!”
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Nathan “Stan” Cozens, 15, said: “This is the best news I've had since I found out about the planning permission being accepted. This will benefit the entire community as it will be the best park in Suffolk!”
Peter Ball, 14, said: “It is going to be brilliant, and the council are very generous for giving us this opportunity.”
Youth worker manager Ant Cartwright said everyone involved was delighted at the success of the fundraising.
In addition to the Play Builder money, the project has received £30,000 from Felixstowe Town Council, £15,000 from Suffolk Coastal and £40,000 from its play space fund, £20,000 from the Youth Capital Fund, and £1,000 raised by young people.
The skate park will be built at the southern end of Orwell Green. It is hoped work will begin as soon as possible and be completed by the spring.
Is Orwell Green the best place for a skatepark? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk
