Skaters, scooter users and BMX riders can now enjoy a thrilling experience at the new Maybole skatepark, following it’s official opening last week.
Over £224K has been spent on the project to ensure the new wheeled zone is one of the best in the country.
South Ayrshire Council’s Thriving Communities team, Maybole Community Council and North Carrick Youth Voice carried out a successful consultation with the previous users of the skate park to make sure the young people’s views were accounted for in the new plans.
The project was then jointly funded by South Ayrshire Council's Place Based Investment Fund with contribution from North Carrick Community Benefit Company (NCCBC), made possible by Scottish Power Renewables.
Local community groups and young people joined Councillors and Chief Officers to mark the occasion and try out the fantastic new facilities.
Councillor Brian Connolly, South Ayrshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Sport and Leisure said: "I’m delighted that the skatepark has finally opened, it’s perfect timing with the school summer holidays and the weather hopefully improving over the next few weeks. The revamped facility will be the go-to destination for wheeled sports enthusiasts, and I’m pleased that local young people are already making the most of it.”
Councillor Alec Clark, Tourism, Culture and Rural Affairs Portfolio Holder said: "This is really positive news for Maybole and the surrounding area. The old park served the community well, and this new one will take skateboarding and BMX biking to another level, with the hopes that the new site could also host exciting events and competitions in the future. I’m looking forward to seeing it being a hub of activity for young people.”
Claire from NCCBC said: ‘It’s inspiring to see a youth led project take shape this way in Maybole, and this destination skatepark will be a great asset to this area of the town. I am looking forward to continuing improvements, working with the young people to add embellishments and finishing touches to suit their needs!’
Mark Fletcher, Chair of Maybole Community Council said: ‘It has been a privilege to provide something, through partnership working with the council, that is truly meaningful to the young people of the area. To take something that came from our young people and NCCBC’s North Carrick Strategy for Youth, and turn it into something real is a major achievement.”