At last we have some skatepark news...Phase II: We listened to comments from users on the design for the top section refurbishment and decided to do something about them. Unfortunately this turned into a bigger job than we expected and we did some rework on the layout over the summer. We now have a final design that was submitted to the planners at the end of August as a minor amendment to the scheme granted in October 2018. After a longer than expected wait it was approved last week.
Here are some 3D images of that final design.
We now have to finalise details with the skatepark contractor and agree a programme of work. When we have a firm start date we will let you know.
ASB at the Skatepark: Not such good news is that a resident felt it necessary to contact the Council, Friends of the Park and MP William Wragg about anti-social behaviour at the skatepark over the summer. This arrived just after the August bank holiday weekend, when problems included a shopping trolley being set on fire in the park. The resident's concerns included mess, vandalism and noise at the skatepark and the matter was also raised as a public question at Marple Area Committee on Wednesday 25 September 2019.
A meeting was convened between Local Councillors, Council Officers and Friends of the Park on 30 September, when a number of actions were discussed and agreed.
Those actions include:An existing CCTV camera will be relocated so that it covers the skatepark and sports area (this was recommended by Friends of the Park in December 2017 but progress has been slow. It is now being treated more urgently). Signs will also be fitted at the skate area/sports area notifying users that the area is under CCTV surveillance.
Stockport Council is working closely with the Neighbourhood Policing Team to monitor anti-social behaviour in the park and the wider Marple area. The policing team are aware of the increased reports of ASB in and around the skatepark and will increase patrols and surveillance as their resources allow.
Local councillors have carried out a programme of engagement with students at Marple Hall School to talk with them about responsibilities within the community. The feedback from councillors is that they were very well received by students and teachers at the school because they focused on how things can be made better for everyone rather than seeking to apportion blame. One quick outcome was Friends of the Park had skatepark users volunteer to help pick up litter during their last task day.
It has been agreed that additional trees will be planted as part of phase II to increase the screening of the skatepark along the canal-side boundary of the park too.
Other skateparks across the region and the country have been successful, like ours, in providing much needed activity for young people who otherwise have little to do. It's also a valuable source of outdoor exercise, may lead people into it as a sport and is a great social thing for youngsters and parents alike. Sadly skateparks in some areas have met so much opposition from residents they have been dismantled. This would be tragic for Marple ... let's all do our best to ensure there's no call for that here!