“Concrete waves” in Newquay

Several years ago, Ards and North Down Borough Council consulted widely to establish what residents would like to see in the Kingsland area of Ballyholme as part of the Bangor waterfront Plan, funded by the Belfast City Region Deal. At that time there was considerable support for a skatepark, not just a mediocre one, but something special that would draw people from all over the region.

Council was subsequently awarded £40M toward the £75M project and are now ready to begin the design. Just a fraction of this budget could get Bangor an equivalent to “Concrete Waves” skatepark in Newquay, that cost around £650k and is said to be the UK’s best outdoor skatepark.

However, some local residents of Ballyholme are objecting to the idea of a skatepark, seemingly under the mistaken impression that it will lead to anti-social behavior in the area. We know that in fact the opposite is true, especially when the skatepark is opened with a series of outreach events by urban sports specialists, in partnership with local stakeholders such as the PCSP.

The Urban sports community have already been consulted on this and sent a clear message that we want and need a skatepark. Indeed, the City Region Deal money was awarded on the basis of the skatepark being included in the design.  The fact that that this could potentially be overturned due to the objections of a handful of local residents is unacceptable.  We have already been dealt a severe blow with the closure of Thunder Park and we must not let Council bend to the whim of a handful of people; we must send a clear message that this skatepark is essential!

 

In addition to the consultation, Council’s own Play Strategy acknowledges that Bangor is severely lacking in older children provision so we must hold Council to account and ensure that this skatepark is not omitted from the Bangor Waterfront Plan. If it is, who knows when we will get our skatepark!?

Please sign this petition to tell Ards and North Down Borough Council that:

· The people of Bangor need a quality skatepark and this funding is the best opportunity for one that would be a proper regional attraction.

 

 

· Local experts such as Thunder Action Sports should be involved with the consultation on the design of the skatepark to ensure it is fit for purpose.  This could take the form of “pop up skateparks” over the summer months during the design phase so that local users are engaged and have an input into the design.

· To allay local fears of ASB, a significant programme of outreach events should take place in at the skatepark upon its opening.