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Brandon Youth Project recently teamed up with St Andrews Youth Club to create a skate park for the young people of Meadowfield and the surrounding villages. The project was undertaken in response to the needs of the young people within these communities, who struggled for three years to get their voices heard with regards to the creation of a skate park. The Skate Park is a community resource, promoting wheeled sports, exercise and participation.
The aim of the Skate Park, which is situated in the grounds of the local sport centre, is to establish a safe and secure recreational area where young people can play and be adventurous. The group are hoping this will help to alleviate some of the local community tensions and antisocial behaviour that they have identified. An estimated 500 children will benefit from the park.
We gave the Brandon Youth Project £6, 745 towards the cost of creating the skate park.
Despite taking a frustrating 6 years in planning the Skate Park finally opened with a bang in September. To celebrate the opening of the park, organisers arranged a fun-filled day of activities. Guests of honour were, professional skating team, 'Team Extreme' who put on a spectacular demonstration to kick start the day. Members of the team then spent most of the day giving lessons to the keen young skaters and most importantly teaching them about safety on the ramps. The day was finished off with a bike, rollerblade, and skate board competition.
The Skate Park comprises of a number of large and small ramps and some pipes (rails). The area has been brightened up by a very talented young graffiti artist who worked with some local children to design the artwork.
The club worked with a number of other organisations to develop this project, including the Local Authority, Durham Police and local youth organisations. Since the park opened organisers have had some very positive responses:
‘It’s excellent’ (Shane, 13)‘It’s really good – it gives us somewhere to go’ (Philip, 17)
‘It’s great for getting the kids to do some exercise while still having fun’ (Carol, parent)
‘It’s got more young people in the area outside and having a go, and has introduced them to youth work’ ( Michaela, youth worker)
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