Skaters jump for joy as park thrills young and helps families feel safe
A SKATE park has been credited with transforming a recreation ground into a safe and pleasant place for families and young people.
Bass Recreation Ground had a reputation for petty crime prior to the opening of Derby Skate Park, which has been in use since June and was officially opened on Saturday.
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The Mayor of Derby, Councillor Les Allen, with skateboarder Andrew Fearn as Kyle McCluskey shows off his BMX skills.
Among those who praised the £228,000 project during the ribbon-cutting ceremony was Rebekah Ford.
She is manager of Hooked, which promotes skateboarding in Derby, and has helped lead the project.
She said: "When we first started planning the park a lot of people told us they didn't feel the recreation ground was very safe.
"One of the reasons we decided to have the skate park here was to make the area more usable and more friendly.
"Now we get a lot of people down. We have families picnicking while their children use the skate park."
She said the next aim was to raise £70,000 to pay for more jumps to be installed.
The Mayor of Derby, Councillor Les Allen, gave a speech before cutting a ribbon.
Speaking afterwards, he said: "The more legitimate users you have, the more it deters people who are out to make mischief."
Linzi Adams, 20, of Littleover, agreed. She said: "The park has transformed the recreation ground.
"It was a bit dodgy before and I wouldn't have walked across here alone at night."
Among the dozens of skaters at the opening was Kyle McCluskey.
The 21-year-old, of Arundel Drive, Spondon, said: "I've been skateboarding for about five years and before the park was built it was boring to do it in Derby.
"You'd have to go to Nottingham, Leicester or Northampton for anything good. Now, we've got pretty much everything we need."
The park is also set to get a plaque commemorating 19-year-old skateboarder Sam Kirk, who died on July 27 last year after being attacked in Handford Street, Derby.
Sam's friend, Andrew Fearn, said a group of about 20 young people marked the first anniversary of his death.
They gathered on Cathedral Green to let off Chinese lanterns and leave floral tributes and letters.
Andrew, 24, of Arnold Street, Morley, said: "I wrote on my lantern 'hope you're good up there, rest in peace'.
"Sam would have loved this park. It's amazing."
8 Comments
by DerbyBorn
Tuesday, August 09 2011, 6:16PM
“I was amazed by the talent and the professional organisation behind the BMX event on Alvaston Park on Sunday. It is clearly attracting good numbers.”
by Derby_born
Tuesday, August 09 2011, 6:05PM
“As I have said before, I am all in favour of he skate park on Bass' Rec, it is good to see the recreation ground being used, and yes it is a safe place as long as the cativities are confined to the actual park area.
I still think that the skate boarders and BMX bikers who take a short-cut across the bus station, are endangering their own lives and the safety of bus users. Only this afternoon I saw a skate-boarder riding across the bus turning area whilst buses were reversing out of the bays, I have seen young children cycling across this restricted area and I've raised this with the authorities. This time around, there was someone sitting in the cubicle watching buses entering and leaving the station, but he paid no attention to the skate boarder as he rode past the cubicle and along the 'no pedestrian access area'.
I only hope the summer holidays pass by without a serious accident involving a bus and a skate-boarder or BMX biker.”
by vintage1959
Tuesday, August 09 2011, 5:28PM
“This is one of the best things Derby has done for a long time, it's about there were more facilities for young people!”
by got2say
Tuesday, August 09 2011, 2:20PM
“I agree BIN IT! - this applies to everyone.
I enjoy watching the expertise of these youngsters and congratulate your grandson - would be nice to have some 'demonstration events' so that their skills can be appreciated by those who can't take part (but wish they had the skills or youth to be able to do!)
In France even the Police in Paris dash around on skates and in Nice people of all ages e.g. commuters,tourists and young people utilise the Promenade des Anglais (4 miles long).Perhaps we will gain even more facilities as it is so popular now!
Sorry if I didn't understand which area of grass you had seen at the rear!”
by supertonemoore
Tuesday, August 09 2011, 1:46PM
“The litter to which I was referring was on the bank of grass near to the rear of the facility and drivers could not have possibly contributed to the large amount which was evident unless they had come equipped with catapults.
I have nothing against skateboarders, my grandson has many trophies and is considered one of the best in the South-West of England, as I said in my original comment............BIN IT!!!”
by got2say
Tuesday, August 09 2011, 10:48AM
“I totally support all Skateboarders, BMX and Jump Bike Riders, Rollerbladers etc. This skate park is long overdue and welcome - As grandparents we have always helped with equipment and transport needs to other areas.
There have been many ideas for Bass's Rec. (& Markeaton Park) over the years but this seems to be the best use of public parks to date.
Regarding any litter problems - Maybe pedestrians and car uses, who often throw litter through their windows, also contribute - but yes, young people should respect their facilities and use any bins provided. In the 1950 /60s there were plenty of park keepers to help with this problem perhaps we should have a few now!
I wish the park success and hope that the spirit of Sam Kirk is an inspiration to all...”
by dianae
Monday, August 08 2011, 5:53PM
“Saw them in action while waiting to march for Bombardier - good exercise and very sociable. And they aren't damaging soft stone surfaces elsewhere. Used to live near Bass Rec - it was always empty and windswept - better now.”
by supertonemoore
Monday, August 08 2011, 2:22PM
“Perhaps those using the facility could be educated with regard to the litter they leave on the surrounding area...................BIN IT!!!”