Skateboard and BMX enthusiasts in Stockton are going to get a £250k purpose-built park for their sport at Preston Park , Museum and Grounds thanks to investment by Stockton Borough Council and Sport England.
As part of the planning for the new sports area a design session, SK8 and R1DE @ Preston Park is planned for Wednesday, 10 April from 12 – 3pm at Preston Park . This session will give young people, their parents and local residents an opportunity to give their views on what would make an ideal skateboard and BMX park while retaining the atmosphere of museum and its grounds.
Councillor Ken Dixon, Cabinet Member for Arts, Culture and Leisure, Stockton Borough Council said: “This will be a fantastic addition to the Preston Park attraction and I urge everyone to go on 10 April and help make the skate/BMX track as innovative and challenging as possible.
“We are investing this substantial amount of funding with the aim of attracting young people from all over the region, who will want to try the range of special features we have planned, in a great location. This will be the largest BMX and skateboard park in Stockton Borough and is a great complimentary facility for the John Whitehead Park wheeled sports area we have planned.”
Sport England is investing £150k in the park through its Inspired Facilities Fund, a London 2012 legacy.
The consultation and design session will be an opportunity to discuss the layout of the new park and what features would be ideal to include in it. There will also be activities for everyone including competitions, prizes, displays and the chance to have a go on a Pump Track and Ramps.
The Preston Park BMX and skateboard track will have all of the elements young people look for in an exciting park such as jumps, street furniture, a plaza-type facility, rollovers, spines, jump boxes, quarter pipes and grinding rails. It is due to be built and completed by Spring 2014.
Anyone unable to attend the event, would like to know more about it or has ideas on the design of the track can contact Stockton Council’s Countryside & Green Space Team on 01642 526876. There is also information on prestonparkmuseum.co.uk
