Stapleford's skatepark officially opens with free coaching sessions
Skate Nottingham has secured funding for free coaching lessons until the end of Summer at new Stapleford skatepark.
Morning briefing Nottingham
Temperature
7° to 12°C
Rain
Rain early
Wind
Gusts 36 mph
Sunset
19:56
Ride details Mixed conditions - strong winds
Recommended gear
- Windproof
- Waterproof
- Jacket
- Light layers
- Hi-vis
Best times to ride
Very windy today
- 06 10°
- 09 8°
- 12 9°
- 15 12°
- 18 10°
- 21 8°
The official opening ceremony of Pasture Road Skatepark in Stapleford kicks off today, featuring free coaching sessions.
The design of the skatepark was a collaboration between experts like Canvas, a specialised skatepark design and construction company, and the skating community. There have been two years of community engagement organised by Broxtowe Borough Council and Skate Nottingham, including four input-gathering events with over 100 attendees.
Intentional care was taken to make sure many different voices were considered, including female experts and local neuro-diverse young people. The open nature of the park was guided by research by NTU's Professor Carrie Paechter which found open - rather than crowed - spaces often make the environment feel less intimidating.
The park has been open since December, featuring smooth concrete throughout, ramps, ledges, and rails of various difficulties and skill requirements.
Funding came from a mixture of sources. The Stapleford Towns Fund is funding free skateboarding lessons throughout the year - including today. Equipment, including the board and helmet, are available to borrow too. FCC Community Action Fund gave a grant of £100,000 for the project. Additionally, there was a Crowdfunder campaign which raised £12,169, a figure that was matched by Sport England.
Skate Nottingham, the CIC who did much of the fundraising, said the new park was "part of the much needed regeneration and revitalisation of the town, especially in attracting and retaining young people and improving current residents' physical and mental health."
“Skateboarding, which is more lifestyle than sport, has so many life-changing benefits and reaches a large, growing youth community that other sports aren’t able to connect with.”
-- James Hope-Gill, chief executive at Skateboard GB
- Saturday, 12pm. Event start.
- 12:30pm - 1:30pm. Free coaching for anyone 7 years-old and up, with skateboard and helmet available.
- 1:30pm - 2:30pm. Open 'jam' for women and girls.
- 2:30pm - 4pm. Open 'jam' for everyone, including BMXers.
A jam is an information competition. Prizes are given for difficulty of tricks, as well as for attempts, and effort.
The free coaching sessions will continue every other Sunday from 25th April.
