Hype is being ramped up for new skate park in Leamington

Alex Walker (left) of Warwickshire Association of Youth Clubs and Chairman of 'Save Our Skate Park', is working alongside Ripride Skateshop in Leamington to raise awareness of the campaign to have a new skate park built in Victoria Park. He is pictured with Samantha Fawke (Accountant) and Mark Taylor, Chris Swan and Jack Robison (Trustees). MHLC Skate Park 26-07-14 NNL-140728-104322009

Alex Walker, of Warwickshire Association of Youth Clubs (WAYC), launched the campaign in 2011 after the old skate ramp at the park was removed by Warwick District Council for health and safety reasons.

He and fellow skateboarders founded the Save our Skatepark charity to raise money for the project and its committee has since set about applying for grants and organising plans.

Mr Walker said: “We feel that our charity is now making progress after a few years of ups and downs due to peoples’ commitments elsewhere.

“We are on the verge of having planning permission in Victoria Park, our business account for funding is fully running and we are tendering to several different skatepark design companies throughout the UK to ensure that the park is the best it can be for the budget we have set internally.

“We have begun our funding application process and everything is running smoothly.

“The council has also agreed to match fund the building of the skatepark up to £50,000.

“We are also looking at the possibility of having solar powered lighting so it can be used in the evening during the winter months.”

Ripride Skateshop in Gloucester Street, Leamington, is supporting the campaign and to raise awareness is holding the Skate Jam 2014 event at the skatepark in Kenilworth on Sunday August 31 from 2pm to 7pm.

The shop will be providing prizes for the best skateboarding tricks on the day.

There will also be a barbecue and music.

Free mini bus transport will be provided from the Westbury Centre on Westlea Road in Leamington on the day.

Mr Walker said: “Our partnership with Ripride has provided us with much more momentum.”

The old skate ramp was taken down after being at Victoria Park for about 15 years.

At the time, Mr Walker described it as having been part of “Leamington’s skateboarding heritage” which dated back to when Ford’s Field had a ‘vert’ ramp 20 years ago.

He later said: “Leamington is a town with a rich history in boxing, tennis and bowls so as sport progresses we need to progress with it or we will not be able to keep up with others showcasing new and exciting talent around us.

“In a time where people say real community is lacking, it is projects such as this that can provide stimulus to our area.”

Search for Save our Skatepark on Facebook.