Skate park success for Telford & Wrekin Council
Skateboarders are having ‘flipping’ good fun at a new skate park in Telford and Wrekin with dozens turning out for a celebration event to mark the official opening.
The park in Teece Drive, Priorslee, is the latest to get off the ground as Telford & Wrekin Council continues rolling out exciting play projects across the borough. The facility has been funded through housing developer contributions.
Councillor Carolyn Healy (Lab), cabinet member for climate action, green spaces, heritage and leisure, said:
“It’s wonderful to see another new skate park successfully delivered by Telford & Wrekin Council.
“Skate parks like this provide a safe space for skateboarders to develop their skills and benefit from physical exercise.
“This latest facility is in addition to the investment the council is putting into play areas across the borough as part of its ‘On Your Side’ pledge. It’s a fantastic example of how we are creating quality open spaces for our younger residents.”
To celebrate the opening, a free ‘skate jam’ was held last weekend and skateboarders and scooter riders of all ages and abilities flocked to try out the facility.
The event was a ‘wheelie’ good success with children as young as five and even a skateboarder in his sixties taking part in fun competitions. One lucky winner walked away with a new skateboard and other prizes included decks and wheels. Plus, there were T-shirt and hat giveaways. Professional coaches were also there to demonstrate tricks and offer top tips.
The skate park design, by Wheelscape, includes many challenging features, such as a jump box and grind rails with ‘ride on curve ends’. There are also unique obstacles, such as a split-level flat bank hip and escalating transitions.
Russell Heideman, Wheelscape design director, said:
“We are really pleased with how the skate park has turned out. It was great to be part of the opening event and we had a fantastic day celebrating with the community. Skate parks bring people together to socialise and enjoy outdoor activity and it was brilliant to see it being used by all ages.”
St Georges & Priorslee Parish Council has committed to contributing £3,000 annually towards the cost of maintaining the skate park.
Telford & Wrekin Council is continuing to deliver playground projects across the borough. In the pipeline are upgrades at Severn Drive, Dothill, Princes End, Dawley Bank as well as a multi-use games area in Shukers Field, Newport.
Photography: Tom Leigh
