Published on:
21
February 2013
Work on the new Fairfield Skate Park in Sauchie is moving on at a pace and is due to open in mid-Spring.
This week Council Leader, Councillor Gary Womersley took time out to inspect the work being carried out on the new skate park.
The skate park will be open to all wheel sports, including BMX bikes and scooters. The skate park will have a half pipe, grinders and a fun box. It is open to all wheel sport users and there will be no charge for using the facility. This is Clackmannanshire's first and only skate park and has been a high priority for many young people throughout the county.
Councillor Womersley said: "Work is progressing extremely well after the Council appointed Butter Landscaping to build the skate park. Work began at the end of January and is expected take 12 weeks to complete.
"The Council has also earmarked a small amount of capital funding which will enable a path and some further landscaping to be included in the initial build. When complete it promises to be another excellent sporting facility for the youth of the area and indeed the whole of Clackmannanshire."
An official opening of the Fairfield Skate Park is expected to take place in May, although it is expected to be open to the public before then.
The Skate Park User Group (SPUG) are due to hold an Extraordinary General Meeting on Tuesday 26th February 2013 at 7pm in Sauchie Hall to begin the process of dissolving SPUG and reconvening the Group as a broader "wheel sports forum".
Although the focus of the Group will remain on Fairfield Skate Park in Sauchie, it was felt that the Group's role could be expanded and could link up with other partners by becoming a more hands-on activity-based Group which also promotes the interests of wheel sport throughout Clackmannanshire.
A SPUG graffiti art group has been formed who meet every second Monday at the Bowmar Centre. Members are currently developing skills in graffiti art with the view to painting a community arts project at the new skate park.
Discussions have taken place with Sport Scotland and a funding application will be submitted to their "Active Places Fund" to further develop the skate park facility, including floodlighting, fencing, furnishings and additional features for the park.
Councillor Womersley added: "This funding bid will be submitted through a partnership of Clackmannanshire Council, the new wheel sports forum and the local youth council.
"We are now looking forward to the building work being completed and begin the process of supporting young people to plan a grand opening event, hopefully in May, for the new skate park."