Skaters reach for the sky in Kirkintilloch
A NEW skatepark aims to wheely pack them in - from local communities and further afield.
Kirkintilloch Skatepark may only have opened its ramps to skaters at the end of 2009, but it is already proving to be a major attraction.
Now Kirkintilloch Skatepark Initiative (KSI) says it has a few more tricks up its sleeve to improve the tourist trade.
KSI completed work on the skatepark in Luggie Park in November, with its official opening event held in St David's Memorial Park Church the following month.
The completion marked the end of a six-year campaign by KSI and now the park is proving a hit with skaters and traders alike.
The 458,000, 1000-sqm spark – which includes a bowl, mini ramp and street section – has been called one of the best in Scotland by skaters.
KSI is now keen to work with the council's Healthy Habits initiative to publicise family-friendly activities in Kirkintilloch for parents bringing skaters to the area.
Susan Murray, project co-ordinator for KSI, said: "The skatepark has been really well received by locals of all ages and early feedback says it is one of the best in Scotland.
"I think a lot of people don't appreciate how many people a skatepark like we have got will bring to the area.
"While it is good for locals it attracts people to the area and we are hoping to work with Healthy Habits to make sure we publicise what things there are for non-skaters to do."
The park was built using around 50 per cent recycled materials by Bend Crete.
It was paid for by the Young People's Lottery Fund, East Dunbartonshire Council, HG Consulting and a 230,000 contribution from WREN – which gives grants to community, environmental and heritage projects.
Susan believes the park shows what young people can do when they are given the right motivation and has helped to bring the Kirkintilloch community closer.
That view is echoed by East Dunbartonshire MP Jo Swinson, who commended KSI and the skatepark in Parliament as "an excellent example of community action".
KSI now hopes to acquire funding to start the second phase of their project – which will include the creation of a picnic area, information brochure and the erection of information signs in Luggie Park to highlight points of interest to visitors.
They also hope to build a BMX track in Kirkintilloch, possibly with Rob Roy FC at their new sports complex.
The skatepark will also host a number of events over the year, including competitions for skaters and BMX riders, and a special gala day.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Kirkintilloch
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 14 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 6 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
