Doddington Parish Council was approached by young people in the village who asked if a skate park could be built. From approval of their request to its official opening, the skate park took one year to complete and is a resounding success.
The Issue
Young people in the village wanted a skate park where they could meet to practice their skills in a safe, purpose-built environment.
The Resolution
Sovereign Design Play Systems Ltd was commissioned by the council to plan and build a custom-made skate park on the existing Abbey Recreation Field.
The Process
Funding was provided by way of grants from Fenland District Council and local businesses, Woodford Waste Management Services Ltd and AmeyCespa. A Skate Park Management Committee was set up, comprising young people from the village, residents from the nearby Abbey Estate and Parish and District Councillors.
Various quotes for the work were obtained by the Parish Council and Sovereign was awarded the contract with a competitive and very detailed quotation, including a design concept that enabled all those involved to visualise the intended outcome.
The Installation
Preparatory work included ground clearance, levelling and the application of tarmac, then Sovereign installed a variety of steel ramps with skate lite surfacing, including two quarter pipes, a double wave, a beginner box and grind rail.
Sovereign also installed seating and bins, and to try to discourage vandalism of the ramps and surfacing, a graffiti wall was erected to provide an alternative canvas for ‘aspiring artists’.
High fencing was also installed on two sides to prevent footballs being kicked into the park from the neighbouring football pitches and a tarmac path was laid from the pavilion to the skate park to provide easy access for those with prams or disabilities.
Sovereign was also on hand to help with the official opening ceremony for the skate park. In addition to arranging for an MC to attend from ESPNs X-Games, Sovereign also arranged competitions and demonstrations by European tour riders.
The Results
- Young people have a safe, purpose-built environment where they can practice their skills
- Youngsters can safely congregate, exercise and have fun without disturbing neighbouring homes
- The skate park promotes social interaction and inclusion, as well as a sense of pride and achievement
”Once the final design was agreed, the contractors were on site and on time. The quality
of work was excellent, and was carried out with a great deal of care, so as not to disrupt the infrastructure of the playing field upon which the skate park was built. The design of the park has been a big hit with youngsters of all ages.I was really impressed with the professionalism of Sovereign Sales Manager, Justin Mottaz, who I met on site on a number of occasions to discuss our needs. He was backed up by prompt and detailed information from his team, and nothing was too much trouble.
Ruth HuftonParish Councillor at Doddington Parish Council and Chair of the Skate Park
