The Town Council Recreation and Amenity Working Party generally deals with items of play equipment and one can witness several new items around the town. We were prompted by a letter from Jennifer Rea, a teenager in the town, asking if we would consider facilities for Skateboarders, In-Line Skaters and BMX Bikers, as locally there was nothing suitable. At that time Teenagers were using Car Parks and the quieter streets to perform their stunts and tricks.

The Council took the view that we should investigate this request and what followed were a series of meetings with both Teenagers and the District Council. When we discovered that this project could receive Match Funding from the District Council, we returned to meet with the teenagers to discuss how we might formalise the group and exactly what did they want to be included in the scheme. They were very enthusiastic.

When costed, the project would be £23,600. Godmanchester Town Council paid £ 11,800 of this and the remainder came from the District Council. The District Council also are responsible for the all maintenance of the site and they also insure it. This means the Town Council has no on-going costs.

The Project received approval from all parties and then we had a long wait for the Contractors to move in. Setting the date back until finally, a dry spell allowed the contractors to proceed. Ground works were done by Breheny and the Skateboard Park was tailor made on site by Clever Curves.

The Site opened to the Public on 27th January 2001 and was officially declared open by The Town Mayor – Mrs Ann Looker and the District Council Chairman – Kevin Reynolds.

It has been a huge success with Children coming from as far a field as Brampton and Ellington. The more serious appreciate the facility, the majority have fun, but unfortunately a small minority have taken to vandalising the Judith’s Field Building, but generally these vandals are non-users of the site. They are being monitored by the Police and we are holding discussions with Youth Leaders and the Police on how we can limit the damage in the future.

Councillor Stephen Spencer
Chairman – Recreation and Amenity Working Party
Godmanchester Town Council

© 2001 Godmanchester Community Association