COVENTRY City Council is set to reject calls to renovate a run-down skatepark in the War Memorial Park – despite a 1,400-signature petition.
It was launched by skaters and BMX-ers from Earlsdon Primary School, Earlsdon Avenue, Earlsdon.
It gained 1,425 signatures and is set to be discussed at a council meeting next Thursday (July 25).
The young campaigners have grown tired of the declining condition of the skatepark, and claim it has become unsafe.
Residents have called for new and attractive places for young people to spend their time pursuing sports or socialising – amid rising crime.
But a council officer’s report claims play facilities are inspected on a weekly basis and the skatepark is in a ‘safe and usable’ condition.
It says the skatepark does not yet require a revamp but will when it reaches the end of its ‘practicable life’.
The report states it is reaching the end of its ‘anticipated life’ but does not specify when this will be. We have asked the council to confirm this.
The report by the council’s head of Streetpride and Greenspace Graham Hood states: “A full refurbishment of this skatepark would cost approximately £150,000 to £200,000 to complete.
“The Parks Service does not have the existing resources to undertake this proposal.
“However they do not consider this would be necessary anyway as all the equipment is still in a safe and usable condition and within practicable use.
“Recent inspections however have found that although the facility is nearing the end of its anticipated life it is still within practicable use.
“Some items are showing signs of wear and tear with minor repairs required in relation to the concrete elements.
“During 2015/16 the Parks Service operational budget was reduced by £1million from 2016.
“As part of its financial strategy the service now reviews the replacement of play equipment and youth provision including skateparks as and when its practicable life ends.”
The petition states: “We are a campaign to renovate the War Memorial skatepark as it is not fit for purpose because of its age, lack of repair and limited size.
“In its current state it is unsafe and cannot accommodate the number of skatepark users.
“Please support us in trying to improve the skatepark; making it bigger and better for all of us on wheels in Coventry (and beyond).
“We want a skatepark Coventry can be proud of!”
Coventry mum Jaine Fleetwood Tweeted: “I love this! Skaters and BMX-ers from my daughter’s school launched a petition to get Coventry’s Memorial Park skate park refurbished.
“I am so impressed by these school kids’ drive!”
