Great attraction set to reopen

A newly-extended skate park will open in North Shields with a special event next month – and daredevils are being encouraged to come and try it out.

 

The extension to the much-loved community facility, which is owned by North Tyneside Council, was the idea of a group of young people who work with local charity Phoenix Detached Youth Project.

 

Like thousands of others, they’ve enjoyed the skate park for many years.

 

But following a visit to a skate park in Scotland, which featured more challenging and advanced ramps, the youngsters dreamt of having something similar at home in North Shields, and contacted the local authority.

 

The council was impressed by their designs and helped them to apply for £50,000 of funding from SUEZ Communities Trust, as well as also contributing to the project.

 

Speaking about the work, North Tyneside Deputy Mayor, Cllr Bruce Pickard said: “We thought the designs looked fantastic and the enthusiasm shown by the young people was great to see. It’s wonderful that they want to help improve their local area while also keeping healthy and active.

 

“I know the revamped facility will be welcomed by the local community and enjoyed by many.

 

“I’d like to thank all of the young people involved – as well as Phoenix Detached Youth Project and Suez Communities Trust – we thoroughly enjoyed working with them and supporting them on the project.”

 

The revamped and extended facility now includes a more advanced bowl for riders to progress onto.

 

An official opening event will take place on Saturday 14 April, from 1pm until 4pm, at the skate park - which is next to The Parks Sports Centre in North Shields - and the young people involved in the project are encouraging people to come along.

 

The afternoon will include an open session for anyone who's interested in trying out the facility, as well as live music and giveaways from Phoenix Detached Youth Project. 

 

Ryan Wright, 18, said: “I have been involved in the skate park project since the beginning and was part of the first scooter group, ‘The NE29’ers’, to go to Unit 23.

 

“When Phoenix Detached Youth Project said it would help us try to get it built we didn’t believe it possible. It was amazing presenting to the Mayor, and working with the other BMX and scooterers and helping to develop the design. I’m still amazed it’s happening.”

 

BMXer Kyle Johnsen added: "Seeing the sudden burst of progress is overwhelming. I'm glad how the project has now all come together."

 

Youth worker Luke Johnston, from Phoenix Detached Youth Project, added: “When we started working on this project in 2014 we didn’t know what it had in store for everyone.

 

“It has been amazing to work with such a dedicated and passionate group of young people, and seeing their passion and ideas turn into a reality has been exciting for us.

 

“We would like to say a big well done to all the young people for their effort and also a thank you to North Tyneside Council and Suez for supporting the project.”

 

Speaking about the funding, Marek Gordon, Chairman of SUEZ Communities Trust added: “SUEZ Communities Trust provides funding awards through the Landfill Communities Fund. This important source of funding has been available since 1997 and has provided such worthy projects with more than £1.4 billion. We were delighted to be able to offer this funding.”

 

The work has been carried out by Kier North Tyneside on behalf of the council.

 

ENDS

 

Notes to editors:

SUEZ Communities Trust (formerly SITA Trust)

SUEZ Communities Trust is an independent funding body set up in 1997 to provide funding through the Landfill Communities Fund. To date SUEZ Communities Trust has supported more than 3,900 projects to a combined value of over £110 million using tax credits donated by SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK (formerly SITA UK).

SUEZ Communities Trust funds improve vital public recreation facilities such as village halls, community centres, sport, heritage, green spaces and play areas.

For information on how to apply for funding from SUEZ Communities Trust call 01934 524013 or visit www.suezcommunitiestrust.org.uk.