Overview
The project aimed to create a high quality skate and bike park for the residents of Wool and the surrounding areas. We wanted the skatepark to contain a variety of features for skateboards, streetboards, rollerblades/inline skates, bmx and scooter riders. The project formed part of a wider open space improvement scheme for Wool Parish Council that also includes a children's play park, enclosed football/basketball court, spectator shelters, wildlife areas, fitness trails, picnic areas and cafeΜ redevelopments. The old skate park for Wool was situated within the grounds of the village playing field directly in front of the Woolbridge Surgery. That facility was installed in 2007 as part of the Wool Parish Council initiative. Since its creation it had proved extremely popular, and in fact, became far too small for the existing demand. Due to the size this resulted in overcrowding and could be dangerous when riding, especially as there was only space for one rider to safely use the park at any one time. The metal construction also created a lot of noise for the residents, an issue that was completely solved with a concrete skatepark. The new park is built on the existing site. The aim of the The Wool Skaters Group is to develop this area as a centre for extreme sports and training. Aims and Objectives
The aims of the project were to:
Create a high quality skatepark for Wool, improving existing facilities and providing completely new types of facilities. Secure sustainable facilities for skate and bike sports in Wool for the future. Actively involve end users in the design, development, promotion and management of the facility and the sports involved. Attract more individuals to skate and bike sports, particularly young people and people from deprived communities with currently poor access to facilities for these sports. Enable the development of improved levels of performance and skills in skate and bike sports. Help increase usage of Wool Skatepark, and contribute to the associated benefits of this in health and wellbeing, crime reduction and community safety, and economic development. Attract more tourists to the facility and the Purbecks. Contribute to the development of the Purbecks as a regional and national centre for extreme sports. Use the site for events, competitions and activities promoting skate and bike sports.
