Hopes for a new skatepark in Wirksworth take a step closer

Excitement is building in Wirksworth and the surrounding area, as plans to build a new skatepark move one step closer.
An aerial shot of the skatepark taken by a droneAn aerial shot of the skatepark taken by a drone
An aerial shot of the skatepark taken by a drone

A voluntary group of local parents and supporters have been working hard behind the scenes on a plan to develop a brand new skatepark.

With plans for the new skatepark firmly in place, efforts have now moved to fundraising and completing grant applications.

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Wirksworth has had a wooden skatepark at the Fanny Shaw’s park for the past 14 years but the former skatepark had reached the end of its life and escalating repair costs meant it had to be dismantled in 2020.

Skateboarding and scootering continue to be in high demand, with a number of makeshift ramps and rails popping up around the town.

And with so many young people feeling the impact of Covid-19, never has there been a more important time to re-establish such a valuable and much needed community facility.

The new concrete design aims to provide a sustainable and long lasting skatepark, offering exercise and something to do, regardless to whether you like skating, scootering or cycling.

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Delivered through a phased approach, the new skatepark area will be designed for all ages, aiming to increase social cohesion between user groups, while also reducing anti-social behaviour in the local community.

The initial phase has a fundraising aim of £150,000.

The group have recently launched a go fund me page to help raise funds for the new skatepark and to make a donation and for more information visit www.gofundme.com/f/skate-wirksworth-needs-your-help or www.facebook.com/SkateSpaceWirksworth.

They have also started a petition which will be presented to Derbyshire Dales District Council.

To sign the petition visit www.change.org/p/derbyshire-dales-district-council-we-need-a-new-wirksworth-skatepark.

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In addition, any local businesses or organisations offering support or grants for such projects are encouraged to get in touch by emailing [email protected]

The group are also in need of concrete, timber for the frame and people who can provide overnight accommodation for contractors during the construction phase.

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