RESIDENTS are invited to get on board with plans to create a £14,000 extension to the borough’s skate park.
Steve Rooke, who runs Redditch Skate and BMX Park, is calling on the community to help raise funds for the new section of the Icknield Street Drive site.
The extension, which will be one third of the size of the current park, will be geared towards mainly skateboarders. It will be made of wood and will include street obstacles and lower ramps.
A total of £3,500 has been raised so far with county councillors Peter Bridle, Graham Vickery, Stuart Cross and former county councillor Martin Jenkins all donating some of their divisional funds towards the project.
Mr Rooke said he hoped the new plans would attract more skateboarders as the park largely appealed to BMX riders who were involved in its creation.
“We get people from all over Redditch coming in, (as well as) outside the town and we even have people visiting from the USA and Belgium.” he said.
“In the past we have worked really well with skateboarders and have done some really good projects which were geared towards them.
“BMXers and skaters have looked at what designs we had for the park and the skateboarding community have given their approval including the extension of the park.
“It will make it more stable for skate wheels and give a good consistency and flow for them when using the equipment.
“We want more skateboarders on board so they can be involved in the process just as much as the BMXers and inline skaters have been.
“We have a great crew of supporters and volunteers who are shaping the park in the way they believe will take it forward, we just need support from local businesses now and the community.”
Visit www.facebook.com/redditch.skate.bmx.park for more information or text RWPS01 to 70070 with the amount you wish to donate.
What the next extension could look like. (s)
