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

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

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

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

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

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 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)