**Save the skatepark project in Hitchin**

We are writing to urge the council to resume the plans to provide an up-to-date and safe space for skateboarding, BMX, scooters and roller skates/inlines at King George's Recreation Ground in Hitchin. The plans have been put on hold by the council, just as we had selected the contractors. This means the outdated and unsafe ramps will remain in place and continue to be ignored by many.

I remember around 20 years ago having to fight to get the metal ramps put in place, months on end of asking the council, petitioning, asking at local meetings and pushing for progress and it took a few years but we got the park but it has rarely been maintained by the council since then, meaning it is now in an ill state with rough flooring and dangerous sharp ramps. Metal ramps are very outdated and require much more maintenance than a modern design concrete park, meaning, if we got the concrete park built it would stand and be safe to use for much, much longer an we won't nee an update for a further 20+ years.

All the skateparks in the local area attract attention and visitors to the towns and are a positive way to provide a safe space for these sports. It would be a real shame to see Hitchin miss out, especially considering that both skateboarding and freestyle BMX are now Olympic sports. Providing this safe space for people of all ages to practice something that can be dangerous seems extremely important and beneficial. Hitchin has a skateboard shop in the town and a BMX shop in the industrial area for a reason, because there is a strong demand in the local community and many of us who need these spaces to practice these sports without being in the way in public spaces. These sports are also beneficial to both physical and mental health as you are getting exercise and fresh air, a good sense of community and a hub for people to gain friends and learn new skills.

The proposals for three different parks have already been submitted by contractors, with one of them being a clear favourite by most of us. We just need our voices heard to get the plans back on track. The sooner we make a difference, the sooner we are likely to turn this around. So please do sign and share this petition and help us get the skatepark we deserve!