Campaign launched for new skatepark for Droitwich Spa - The Droitwich Standard

Campaign launched for new skatepark for Droitwich Spa

Droitwich Editorial 10th Aug, 2022 Updated: 10th Aug, 2022   0

A COMMUNITY group has been launched in a bid to get Droitwich Spa’s ageing skatepark revamped.

Droitwich Community Skatepark Group (DCSG) wants to see a new space created at King George V Playing Fields where the current one is so young people can take part in wheeled sports and progress in their chosen discipline in a safe environment.

The plan is to raise funds and apply for grants from charities and other funding organisations.

Campaigners said skateparks were all inclusive with no discrimination to age, race, disability or gender and well-built skateparks provided safe places for people of all ages to improve fitness, mental health, build resilience and take part in community-based activities.




They pointed out ‘Beyond the Board’ – a study by USC in America – found the average person skateboarded for 57 minutes and had an average heart rate of 143 beats per minute – over the minimum recommended amount an average person should achieve to maintain a healthy life.

The same study found skateparks were the fourth most-used area to improve fitness after pathways, swimming pools and gyms.


Christian Smith, part of DCSG, said: “The current skatepark is around 17 years old and, despite remedial works being carried out to ensure it is safe, we really do need a new one.

“Surrounding areas, such as Alcester, Astwood and Bromsgrove seem to have more updated skating areas which mean people from Droitwich have to travel to to use a modern skatepark. ”

Campaigners have already approached Wychavon District Council and West Mercia Police’s community officers for help.

They say skateparks should be designed and built by industry experts, and a well-built one can last upwards of 25 years with little needed in terms of groundwork maintenance costs.

They added once a skatepark had been built, they tend to be looked after by local users after instilling a sense of pride and care – keeping them clean and free from vandalism.

A website – dcsg.org.uk – has been set up to report on the progress of the campaign and to enable people to get in touch and be part of it.

More information is also available on the ‘Droitwich Community Skatepark Group’ Facebook page.

 

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