Melksham’s ‘Fifth’ Skate Park officially opens

IT was the official opening of Melksham’s new skate park, Fifth, last weekend, which coincided with the final of the Wiltshire Skate Series.

Around 60 people aged between 13 and 25 took part in the competition throughout the day in BMX, skateboard, scooter and inline skating, set to the backdrop of a live DJ.

Local professional skater James Threlfall, who has been involved in the project right from the start was there to compère and judge the competition.

Speaking to the Melksham News, James said, “We’ve had so many people involved with bringing Fifth Skate Park to Melksham, it’s been a group effort.

“It’s so great to see so many people from Melksham here, but also so many from other areas as well and to have the final of the Wiltshire Skate Series here is great. We’ve got skaters from outside Wiltshire come along today – guys from Liverpool, Somerset and Cornwall, so facilities like Melksham’s Fifth Skate Park help raise the profile of skate boarding and action sports, not just in Wiltshire, but in other counties.

“Wiltshire Council and the sports development team are pushing for more parks to be built and Melksham is an example of what can be achieved and the level that things can be pushed to.”

James’ parents, Sue and Phil Threlfall, who were there to support the event  said, “We are so proud of what James has achieved here and the fact that so many children are down here every day and night during the school holidays and at weekends means they are off the streets and occupied. The competition is brilliant as well because it  gives them a focus and somewhere to showcase their talents.”

John Thomson, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for leisure, officially opened the skate park saying, “Today is important for two reasons; firstly it’s the official opening of the Fifth Skate park but it is also the final of the Wiltshire Skate series which over 200 people have been involved with across the whole county and over 60 people competing today which is wonderful to see.

“It’s not just about skating though, it’s about young people getting involved in a project which is for them;  planning it, running it and promoting it.

“A facility like this is somewhere for young people to come and meet and socialise, it’s their space.

“Wiltshire has a high population of older people so we can be quite focused on the older generation and their social care, but it’s very important to also focus on our young people in our community as they are our future.”