By Jill Stocks
A new ramp at Horsforth skatepark has been added to encourage new and younger skaters to take up the sport.
The new smaller ramp provides skatepark users the opportunity to learn their new skills before moving on to the more technical ramps in the skatepark.
The addition of the new ramp follows conversations with the local community, identifying the need for the smaller ramp to be installed.
Friends of Horsforth Skatepark, a subgroup of the Friends of Horsforth Hall Park, spoke to representatives from Leeds City Council Parks Department and Cllr Emmie Bromley (Lab, Horsforth) and Cllr Cathy Gillinder in April regarding their ideas for maintaining and improving the skatepark.
A proposal, put together by the groups trustees and volunteers working alongside all the necessary parties, was put forward for the ramp and was accepted at the the first hurdle, with works agreed and beginning shortly afterwards.
Mike Farrell, trustee of the FOHS, coordinated the project alongside Ian Blackburn who led the build and many skatepark volunteers, and said the response to the new ramp had been very positive.
“We have an amazing skatepark park in Horsforth but it is quite challenging to learn on. With this in mind we decided to add a new obstacle to the park that is more beginner friendly.
“We are lucky that we have experienced skatepark builders in our volunteer group so it was built and designed entirely with volunteer labour.
“We also funded all the materials ourselves. We have given the new ramp the nickname of the Runway due to it being built with “Airport grade” concrete!
“The feedback from the users of the park on the new obstacle has been incredibly positive.
“The best thing from my perspective is that we have already seen some young skaters learn new moves on the new ramp!
“Special thanks to Leeds Council Parks Department, Horsforth Hall Park Cricket Club and councillor Emmie Bromley for all their support here. Hopefully it’s the first of many new additions to this incredible skatepark!”
Several users have contacted Mike with their feedback on the new ramp with comments including “a kid just learnt to drop in it today and the grown ups were shredding too, so fun for all the family” and “it’s great for my kids to learn new stuff, both have already mastered dropping in now”. Another added: “The ‘Runway’ is indeed a success and another piece of skillfully crafted concrete.”
Kieran Igwe, a regular skater at the park, said the new ramp was a very welcome addition.
“It’s great to see the development of a skatepark,” he told WLD.
“Obviously they built the main skatepark years ago and it’s quite big which is great for some people but for newer kids who are looking to get into skating, scootering or whatever then a smaller ramp is necessary.
“It’s good to see that they’re developing this little area and it will be quite good for beginners as well.”
Friends of Horsforth Skatepark is a subgroup of Friends of Horsforth Hall Park. You can join the FOHHP for only £5.50 a year and support their work across Hall Park.
- More Horsforth news and views from WLD can be found here.
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