Houston, help us with our problem

Published on Wednesday 22 October 2008 09:55

AN international online campaign has been launched to win support for Edinburgh's first major public skatepark.

The council wants to build a 750,000 facility in Saughton Park, which would be designed for skateboarders, BMX riders and inline skaters.

The proposal has received a mixed reaction in the local neighbourhood, with objectors raising concerns about antisocial behaviour, excess noise and an increase in traffic.

But Stenhouse Community Council has offered its support and the plan has now won backers from Texas, as skaters in Houston – who use a new 1.5 million park – have joined the campaign.

The UK-wide body Sk8UK is also encouraging people to back the plans and more groups are expected to help over the coming weeks.

The proposed park would open in late summer 2009, ending years of wrangling over a suitable site, with the council previously forced to abandon plans for in Inverleith Park and the Meadows.

Sam Paterson, a spokesman for Edinburgh Skatepark Project, today welcomed the support. He said: "This has been picked up on internet sites and forums, and we know the benefits of bringing a skatepark to Edinburgh.

"I understand there are some local concerns – it's a fear of the unknown – but skateparks bring communities together. There's a lot of talk of antisocial behaviour, and this gives people something to do.

"The benefits also include getting people out in the fresh air, and it's an all-inclusive sport."

As well as a 70m x 30m park, the facility would feature a viewing area and artificial lighting. It would be sunk below ground level and employ special "anti-skate" surfaces on surrounding paths.

In an online statement, Sk8UK said: "You may or may not know the length of time that Edinburgh skateboarders have been campaigning to get a concrete skatepark built, but it has been a long struggle surpassing at least a decade which has involved several people and several hundred hours of effort.

"This is where we are asking for your support, so we can finally get this park built. It doesn't matter whether you're from or in Edinburgh, it's all about support for the park in general."

Members of the Skate Houston organisation added: "As skaters, it is our duty to leave some encouraging and positive comments as to why this park should be built for the good folks of Edinburgh.

"If you skate the Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark here in Houston, then you know how important it is to help out our fellow skaters across the pond. Public influence could help get this park built."

City sports leader Deidre Brock said today: "The council is committed to providing a quality skatepark in a central area of Edinburgh that will be accessible to all young people throughout the city.

"It is encouraging to hear that we are receiving support for this facility from across the globe.

"Skateboarding is a growing sport and a great healthy activity for many young people who are as passionate and dedicated to their sport as any golfer, footballer or tennis player."