Published on:
13
February 2012
Plans to create a new skate park for young wheel sport enthusiasts across Clackmannanshire have taken a step forward.
The tender process to appoint a contractor to build the park has begun and the appointment will be made by the end of March this year.
The creation of a new skate park has come about following planning permission being granted for the new housing development on the former builders yard at Keilarsbrae, Sauchie. As a condition of the development, up to £85,000 has been provided to pay for a compensatory recreational facility.
The skate park will be located within Fairfield Park, Sauchie, and a Skate Park User Group (SPUG) has been meeting regularly to ensure the park meets their needs.
Now that the tender process has begun, the group's next priority is to secure funding for phase two of the development. This involves the group, working with the support of the Council's Youth Service, submitting applications to local and national bodies and building links with 'Skateboard Scotland' - the official governing body for wheel sports in the country.
SPUG is made up of young people from throughout Clackmannanshire and in addition to having responsibility for the development and future management of the Fairfield facility it also endeavours to represent the interests and concerns of wheel sport enthusiasts throughout the area.
The user group recently visited an indoor skate park in Livingston. The group also plans to produce a newsletter to inform young people about the skate park development and encourage more young people to get involved.
Councillor Mark English, Inclusion Portfolio Holder, said: "I am delighted to hear about the progress that has been made with this skate park plan and of the involvement of the user group and the support of Youth Services. I hope as many young people as possible support the work that SPUG is doing in order to make this a success."
If you would like to get involved with the work and activities of SPUG, either contact Tracy Duff in Youth Services on 01259 450000 or speak to the Detached Youth Work teams which are in: Sauchie & Alva on a Tuesday night 6pm-9pm, Clackmannan on a Wednesday 6pm-9pm, Tullibody & Tillicoultry on a Thursday 6pm-9pm and Alloa on a Friday from 6pm-9pm. These are very productive sessions and are a great way of getting involved with your community.