- July 28, 2011
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Skateboard Park
The Parish Council have been asked by a young member of the public to consider whether a skateboard park could be built for the youth in the village. What do you think? Where could it go? etc. Please let us know your views
SKATE BOARD PARK
I dont see many if any skate boards around High Halstow ?? Where is the need for a skate board park? Who would use it? What is a skate board park it sounds big?
Why dont you identify a couple of skate board parks you would like to have. I dont want you to suggest which one to go and see. I would like you to take me and some of the Parish Councillors to see what you do at a skate board park.?
George@highhalstow.org.uk
Hi George,
It may be called a Skateboard Park, but they are used buy BMXs, Scooters, Skateboards & roller skates/blades.
On a sunny afternoon (and some not so sunny afternoons!) you will see many scooters around the village.
They don’t take up too much space, generally less than a single tennis court – a lot of villages that have skate parks have converted a tennis court as they are very inefficient use of space – only up to four people at a time as opposed to 15-20 on a skate park.
As you know, many people drive their cars too fast around the village and often reverse out of their drives without looking. If it wasn’t for our good road sense, there could have been several accidents by now.
Scooters, skateboards and roller blades do not work on grass, so we have to play on the smooth pavements around the village.
Our favourite “village” skate park is in Cliffe – we would be more than willing to take you there and show you what we can do!
Lewis & Owen
Hello again,
If the skatepark is a bad idea due to noise there is some information on this link about the ramp surfaces:
http://www.fearlessramps.com/surfaces.html#ply
Thankyou,
Rob Evans
Age:14
Comment posted on behalf of Rob Evans and Alex Smith (Aged 14 and 11)
Earlier in 2011 we asked for a local skatepark to be built in the park or on the green outside Gypsy Way.
We know for a fact that plenty of youths, teens and adults would like a skatepark to be built within High Halstow, there are many reasons why we would like a skatepark such as:
We are repeatedly being asked to stay away/ told off for playing on public footpaths on our scooters/skateboards.
A skatepark would be a great destination for friends to meet up and learn new tricks from eachother as for some tricks you need a ramp to perform.
A skatepark would also encourage youths to become active and stay out of mischief.
I have heard that some people in High Halstow would like a football cage and a swimming pool although we have a football apparatus in High Halstow park and we also have a local swimming pool in Hoo.
The youths of High Halsow would be very thankful if the council would proceed with a skatepark.
Many thanks,
Rob Evans And Alex Smith
Age: 14 and 11
Hello,
There are a couple of locations to place the skatepark such as the recreational ground (park) and the green outside gypsy way.
In my opinion the park would be a perfect location for the skatepark because it is in the centre of High Halstow making the skatepark easy to get to for all youths of the village.
I and a few other children have asked residents within the village their opinions on building the skatepark and, roughly, 7/10 people said that it was a great idea – only on a couple of occasions did somebody say it was a waste of time and money.
I believe that this skatepark would be a great investment because it is a healthy place for youths to gather and exercise thereby getting off xbox’s and playstations.
By building the skatepark out of wood from sustainable sources we can aim to offset our carbon footprint.
Also wood is not only cheaper than concrete but it’s flexibility makes it safer.
Within the skatepark there could be a designated graffiti area for youths and teens to express their art work thus cutting down on graffiti around the village.
Many Thanks,
Rob Evans
Age 14
My two boys are passionate about scootering. They practice for hours learning new tricks and skills. As a family we visit various skateparks including ones that have been installed in villages such as our own – Meopham, Istead Rise and Culverstone Green. These are basic recreation areas that in one corner have a small skatepark enabling young people of various ages to spend their free and precious time.
I feel sad that my two boys who choose scootering as a hobby with friends are only able to utilise local kerb stones in High Halstow, which as most of the society would agree with me is dangerous.
I understand the parish concerns when considering such a piece of equipment for our young people but I feel there are too many positives for it not to be considered.
Having worked with young people in the past I have witnessed the young people’s approach when using the skateparks. They are given the opportunity to interact with all ages showing understanding of ability, manners and working out what and when things are appropriate. You don’t often see a 14 year helping/ teaching a younger child a new trick or skill. All of these take some adults a good few years to work out.
Learning to share is one of of greatest things we can learn in this short life, but these young boys and girls seem to learn this quickly otherwise the area fails. Many people are able to use a relatively small area at once, making it a very efficient use of space, unlike something such as a tennis court. It works!!!!
Society is forever moving forward – we need to keep our young people motivated and interested in things that are healthy and challenging.
When we moved to High Halstow it was attractive because it was so community orientated, providing something for everyone.
I do not believe that a skatepark will lower the tone of High Halstow, only enhance it. Giving young people activities instead of having to group on roads. It will teach them how to work together and look after each other and protect their own environment.
I hope to be able to attend the next parish council meeting to discuss this further.
Regards,
Jenny Duckworth
I would like to know if this skate park idea is going forward . Me and my mates Have asked some of the public in high halstow and all of them have answered with a yes . Also me and some others have started making a poster for a fundraising scooter competition at high halstow park , it costs a pound to enter and there will be a prize for the winner . All we need now is a number that people can call to enter and the date of the competition . We would like as much help and people to be involved in this as possible so please could you reply if you want to either take part or help out with this fundraising event .
.
The Parish Council are still seeking views and would like to find a solution that finds a way forward for all on this subject
Hi
I think there should be a skate park in High Halstow because it will encourage all the children around the village to get out and get fit and plus we don’t have anything like this at the moment. My brother and I have just got scooters and would really love somewhere like this in the village.
Thank you
Luke Gilbert (age 9)
Hi
I think there should be a skate park in High Halstow because it will encourage all the children around the village to get out and get fit and plus we don’t have anything like this at the moment. My brother and I have just got scooters and would really love somewhere like this in the village.
Thank you
Luke Gilbert (age 9)
hello
I agree with all comments, I have just got my own scooter and every time we find some where to play we end up being asked to move on when we are innocently playing. It would be nice for the children of High Halstow to have a skate park because the nearest park in at Cascades near Gravesend and we would need to rely on our parents to ferry us to and from the park, which would cause air pollution as we would need to drive there and back.
If the skate park was in the village it would not only keep the village children off the streets and safe from playing on the side of the roads and maybe someone getting injured in front of a car or bus.
I really think the village needs somewhere for us kids to ‘Hang Out’ and be with our friends, and we do not want to upset the residents of High Halstow. All we want is for everyone to be happy and safe.
Many Thanks
Lewis Gilbert (age 12)
Hi,
I agree with all the above comments. Having a skate park would be very beneficial and would keep children out of mischief. Many children in the village enjoy being out and about using Bmx bikes, scooters and skateboards, so having a permanent place where they can play would enable children to meet new friends (with the same hobbies), and practice/learn new tricks. I also agree with Jarrad, having a range of different sized ramps (small-large) would be great as it can be used by all ages.
A good place to have it would be next to the basketball hoop/ football area.
Adam White
(Age 10)
Hello
About the suggestion of a skate park. I understand that some people may worry about the safety side of a skate park. A skate park is not just for skate boards, BMX bikes and stunt scooters can also do tricks on the ramps etc in a ”skate Park” .If the users are careful and take time to practice the risks if getting harmed can be quite low, also if smaller ramps as well as big ramps are built then the park can be used by people of all ages and abilities. I can’t think of a better way of keeping us busy than a skate park. I agree with Joel about the health benefits and I feel very strongly that anything that gets kids moving is good. As for a suggestion of location, I also can think of a number of places in the recreation ground that are suitable. Next to the childrens play area, by the basket ball hoop and next to cricket pitch are big enough.
I really hope the parish council will give this request a good thought, as there is lot of kids who think the same.
Jarrad Turner
10 Years old
Hi
I think the skate park would be great idea, I was wanting to ask the Parish Council myself. Lots of my friends ride BMX Bikes and scooters that can also use a skate park. I think a skate park would be a good way of keeping children out of mischief, and make us all fit. My mum says the Press is full of warnings about children leading unhealthly lifestyles, I think that a skate park would really motivate us to get moving, grab some fresh air and socialise. I am sure that the area near the cricket pitch could fit a skate park and that everyone in the village could have fun even if they just go to watch.
Joel Turner
8 Years old
Hello, for the skate park you could visit ‘gravity skate parks’ also you
could fit the skate park either next to the basketball hoop/ football goal
or next to the child’s play area, I am sending this email for a big group
of boys and girls around my age (9-16), we have also spoken about a
graffiti area as it would keep a lot of people out of mischief.
Your sincerely,
Rob Evans, 13 years old