Council set to reject skatepark revamp in Memorial Park despite 1,400-name petition

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Council set to reject skatepark revamp in Memorial Park despite 1,400-name petition

Postby dutchman » Fri Jul 19, 2019 4:28 pm

Coventry City Council is set to reject calls to renovate a run-down skatepark in the War Memorial Park – despite a 1,400-signature petition

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It was launched by skaters and BMX-ers from Earlsdon Primary School, Earlsdon Avenue, Earlsdon.

The petition states: “We are a campaign to renovate the War Memorial skatepark as it is not fit for purpose because of its age, lack of repair and limited size.

“In its current state it is unsafe and cannot accommodate the number of skatepark users.

“Please support us in trying to improve the skatepark; making it bigger and better for all of us on wheels in Coventry (and beyond).

“We want a skatepark Coventry can be proud of!”

It gained 1,425 signatures and is set to be discussed at a council meeting next Thursday (July 25).

The young campaigners have grown tired of the declining condition of the skatepark, and claim it has become unsafe.

Residents have called for new and attractive places for young people to spend their time pursuing sports or socialising – amid rising crime.

But a council officer’s report claims play facilities are inspected on a weekly basis and the skatepark is in a ‘safe and usable’ condition.

It says the skatepark does not yet require a revamp but will when it reaches the end of its ‘practicable life’.

The report states it is reaching the end of its ‘anticipated life’ but does not specify when this will be. We have asked the council to confirm this.

The report by the council’s head of Streetpride and Greenspace Graham Hood states: “A full refurbishment of this skatepark would cost approximately £150,000 to £200,000 to complete.

“The Parks Service does not have the existing resources to undertake this proposal.

“However they do not consider this would be necessary anyway as all the equipment is still in a safe and usable condition and within practicable use.

“Recent inspections however have found that although the facility is nearing the end of its anticipated life it is still within practicable use.

“Some items are showing signs of wear and tear with minor repairs required in relation to the concrete elements.

“During 2015/16 the Parks Service operational budget was reduced by £1million from 2016.

“As part of its financial strategy the service now reviews the replacement of play equipment and youth provision including skateparks as and when its practicable life ends.”

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Re: Council set to reject skatepark revamp in Memorial Park despite 1,400-name petition

Postby rebbonk » Fri Jul 19, 2019 5:09 pm

I thought they used the upper and lower precincts?
Of course it'll fit; you just need a bigger hammer.
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Re: Council set to reject skatepark revamp in Memorial Park despite 1,400-name petition

Postby dutchman » Fri Jul 26, 2019 7:12 pm

Skatepark rejection turns attention to external funding

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Calls to renovate an “unsafe” skatepark in Coventry have been turned down, but campaigners are optimistic of securing external funding.

Children led a campaign to revamp the War Memorial skatepark due to its age and poor surface, complaining it was causing injury.

At a meeting on Thursday, parent Susie Cowley-Haselden said it was “dated and dangerous” and led to “more risk of breaking bones”.

Her daughter, eight-year-old Briony, added: “I love the War Memorial park but I do not like skating there.”

But the call, backed by a 1,425-name petition, was turned down by the cabinet member in charge, councillor Abdul Khan, citing lack of funds.

Speaking after the meeting, Mrs Cowley-Haselden said she was optimistic the funding to renovate the skatepark could be found another way.

:bbc_news:
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