Skate Parks and Wheeled Sports

Skateboarding, in-line skating and BMX riding are rapidly developing sports in the Stroud District and are now widely recognised by many Local Authorities across the country.

There is an established demand for well planned/designed facilities for wheeled sports that meets the needs of the needs of both the local community user groups and the Stroud District/Town/Parish councils. In order to provide the best possible skate park facility, in the right place and for the right people, there are a number of key issues to consider and adopt; each area and community will have it's own set of requirements and ideas of how to go forward and research suggests that ownership and involvement of the predominant user group (young people) is VITAL from the onset.

Visit the Wheels of Opportunity, Skate Pilot Project pages to find about the scheme which took place in September 2004 at Stratford Park Leisure Centre Skate Park.

Broad consultation is an absolute essential factor for success, coupled with evaluation of skate park positioning, surveys of the locality, land ownership, impact to ALL residents and access issues.

In order to offer the most comprehensive advice and assistance to communities for their skate projects from initial application to final result, we have created a Skate Guide to act as a general resource pack. It is a separate document to the grants application system for Stroud District Council, but it is advisable to have a read, especially if you are considering creating a skate project build and making an application to the Stroud District Council Community Grants Programme. The guide also has a section on fundraising and funding options.

UPDATE : the guide is currently being updated and will be back on this page by early next year

For further advice and information please contact Jane Bullows, Regeneration Through Sport Manager on 01453 754322 or email: jane.bullows@stroud.gov.uk