Skaters flock to new skate park

Skater James Threlfall (front) with John Flood from Canvas Spaces, Melksham North cllr Pat Aves, cllr Jonathon Seed, Wiltshire Council portfolio holder for campuses, Darren Henry and Sports Development Officer Daniel Geeson.

MELKSHAM’s brand new skate park was officially declared open this week, with many eager young skaters itching to test out the new facilities.

Before the skaters of Melksham could start testing out the new skate park, local professional skater James Threlfall, who has been involved in the project right from the start, tried out the new facility for himself, showing off some of his signature moves.

James said, “It is great to see the park open and I know it will attract people from all over the region and beyond. We have worked hard to ensure it caters for all users and ages, from those just learning to push off, to those up to pro level.

“The variety of terrain and obstacles mean people can ride the park in lots of different ways. I’m also delighted we have been able to include a hardstanding area which will allow events such as the Wiltshire Skate Series to be held here.”

Speaking to the excited youngsters waiting to use the skate park James said, “Each and every one of you owns a little bit of this park, so I want you all to respect it, treat it well and look after it. Also, respect each other and share this fantastic new space.”

Wiltshire Council portfolio holder for campuses, Darren Henry said, “The skatepark is a fantastic new facility and with the school holidays in full swing, it’s certainly great timing that it is now open.

“Melksham is really benefiting from new facilities and this skatepark is the next milestone in a programme of investment into the town for the local community.”

Work on the new skatepark got under way in April to replace the former skatepark at King George V playing fields. The work has been carried out by Canvas Spaces.

The new skatepark has been provided as part of Wiltshire Council’s campus programme in Melksham. The durable and modern skatepark will mean skaters no longer have to travel to other parts of Wiltshire or further afield in order to access a quality facility. It has been designed to cater for younger skaters and beginners through to more advanced skaters, offering a challenging environment, for all levels.

The new skate park will play host to the grand final of the Wiltshire Skate Series  on Saturday 23rd September. There is still time to compete for a place in the final at the skate park in Salisbury on Saturday 26th August. More information about the competition can be found on Facebook:  www.facebook.com/WiltshireSkateSeries/