As a local skateboarder, I frequently use the Lavender-Hall Skate Park in Balsall Common and face challenges that need urgent attention. Due to the existing infrastructure, I often hurt myself because of the lips at the bottom of ramps and the sharp, grazing, and rough floor. Instead of smooth concrete, the surface often leads to injuries, making practice not only difficult but also hazardous.

Moreover, the skate park's size and the lack of diverse obstacles and ramps limits the improvement of my skills. A larger park with varied features would greatly benefit not just me but all the skaters in the area, offering us a safe and progressive environment to practice and enjoy together.

Despite these issues, the skate park remains a beloved spot for many in the community. It's a place where passionate skateboarders and scooter riders gather, celebrate their sport, and encourage each other. However, its current condition doesn't match the spirit and potential of its community.

By improving and expanding the Lavender-Hall Skate Park, we can create a safer and more inspiring place for skateboarders, scooter riders, and roller-skaters. Replacing the flooring with concrete and eliminating the ramp lips will minimise injuries and encourage more people to embrace these sports. Moreover, expanding the park to include various obstacles and ramps will accommodate growing interest and provide a space for skaters of all levels to hone their skills, as well as lower rails that are actually possible to grind, all within current risk assessment guidelines.

We urge Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council to invest in this significant upgrade, which could transform Lavender-Hall Skate Park into a regional attraction, fostering community spirit and healthy lifestyle choices among the youth.

Please sign this petition to show your support for a safer, bigger, and better-equipped skate park in Balsall Common.