Skate park plan for Blackpool to stop vandalism

Proposals have been revealed to convert a disused basketball court into the new facility for use by skateboarders, bikers and scooter riders.

A planning application for the scheme has been lodged by the council’s parks department which is working with the community, including the Friends of Stanley Park on the project.

A design brief accompanying the application says the existing skateboarding areas are “of a very poor standard and design, which results in wheeled sport activities being undertaken on and in the historical features around the park”.

This has led to vandalism of features including ornate balustrading and the pedestrian access ramps into the Italian Gardens “causing damage and at times irreparable defects.”

Documents describing the existing skate park add: “The current area is uninspiring and is an area that suffers anti-social behaviour, broken bottles, litter etc.”

It is hoped to protect the heritage of the park by providing improved facilities for use by all users, from novice to more expert which replicate the historical features.

This would include a ‘bandstand’ type platform and ‘balustrade’ grinding rails.

The basketball court, which was originally a grassed tennis court, would be relocated to a more suitable area of the park where the focus is on ball sports.

The application adds: “There has been a board set up to deal with the development, involving the Friends of Stanley Park, members of the local community, from the multi wheeled community and Officers from Blackpool Council.

“The group will consider all members of the community and focus will be, for the facility to be inclusive and safe for all.”

The plans will now be considered by town hall planners at a future date.

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