Backing for skateparkexpansion

An expansion of a popular Middleton skatepark has been backed.

The decision means that a 29,000 scheme to boost the equipment at the location in Larksfield recreation ground should take place this summer.

Felpham's parish councillors agreed last Tuesday to spend 19,000 on the additional equipment.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

This will be added to 10,000 set aside by Middleton Parish Council.

The skatepark is just within Middleton's boundary but many of its users are young people from the neighbouring roads in Felpham.

About a dozen of the skate park's users met Felpham Parish Council's projects committee chairman Cllr Connie Reid and Arun District Council parks and greenspaces officer Michael Rowlands on Monday to discuss their thoughts for the new equipment.

They have a rail slide, jump ramp, split level quarter pipe and bank ramp at the site.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It was opened in June 2006 as a prime example of working between parishes on land owned by Arun District Council.

Cllr Mrs Reid said: "The site has proved its worth. It's been popular and there has been no vandalism.

"We want to make sure that the equipment we put in the skate park is what the young people want. They have proved that if we put this equipment in there it is looked after.

"The extra equipment we install this summer will complete the site

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"It was a long held dream of mine to have free skateboard facilities where young people can just turn up and enjoy themselves."

Cllr Mrs Reid's ambition of creating a special site where skateboarders could enjoy their hobby locally rather than having to travel into Bognor for the seafront skatepark or practise on unsuitable locations began in 1998.

Various initiatives came and went before Middleton Parish Council agreed to join the project in 2003.