First consultation and design workshop findings - 22nd April 2024

A public consultation took place at the leisure centre next to the proposed site for the new skatepark. The consultation was held in an open public format where anyone could come by and chat about the project/design with council members and the Canvas team. The purpose of this consultation was to gain an understanding of what residents/users wanted to see in the design and so they could express any other thoughts/concerns about the project. Canvas presented a range of sample designs and completed projects to get an idea of what users wanted to see in their skatepark. A Withernsea-style design was singled out as their preferred option. Canvas will use this as a starting point to develop a bespoke design. We presented to approximately 20 people who the majority were councillors along with about 5 skatepark users. Feedback was positive and everyone seemed to be behind the project and proposed location. It is planned that the concept created from this event will be made available via the online info hub for comment, before the next meeting, where it is expected we will develop and refine the concept into the final design.

Findings:

• Grind ledge with round and square coping (need to have edging for rollerbladers).

• There is a portion of the grass area, left of the proposed site that is allocated for a railway improvement project. So, we should liaise with the company undertaking this to make sure our plans do not conflict. Though this could take a number of years before they start works.

• Due to the timescale for the railway improvement works it was suggested we could install a temporary skate area (like the slab) within the railway improvement area to increase the skatepark size. It would then be removed when the land was needed for the railway.

• A Parkour facility was also mentioned as this is an underprovided for sport in the area and the skatepark could integrate well with it. We agreed if a parkour area was provided it would go in the railway area. This way you could see if it is well used and if so, it could be moved to another site and improved when the railway is built. As this would be much easier/cheaper to relocate than a skate area.

• Parking was mentioned as a concern as they are already struggling with capacity. Though most people felt users would come by foot or train so it shouldn’t be a major issue

• Anti-social behaviour was mentioned as a concern.

• Fencing off the facility was suggested to help control the antisocial behaviour and possibly making it a payable facility so there can be personnel supervising it when in use. There was push back on this as they want to keep it free for everyone to use.

• Seating/spectator areas are important so these should be included.

• Smaller ramps were preferred as they are beginner friendly but also more skate friendly. There are a lot of bigger ramp parks about and not much small approachable parks, though there should still be a few larger ramps to accommodate BMXers. Majority 3ft with some 4-5ft extensions.

• Inclusivity for all disciplines is important as it needs to cater for as many people as possible.

• There is a lot of clay in the area so a sunken design may not work drainage wise.

• If there are walls it was suggested local graffiti artists are contacted to do some proper artwork on the wall to deter “bad” graffiti.

• They would like a manny pad combo ledge.

• A separate flat slab beginner area for smaller obstacles and a flat land space. There is a triangular portion at the Northeast end of the available space that could work well for this.

• 3ft mini ramp

• They would like some form of a quarter-pipe pocket so they can learn to carve so we can bowl out the mini ramp.

1st Design Iteration

Based on 1st consultation

3D Model