The GPCA has the opportunity to bid for some of Surrey County Council’s £100,000m “Your Fund” set up for community groups and not-for-profit organisations with ideas for exciting, inspiring and ‘place-changing’ projects to improve their areas. To secure funding, projects must meet certain criteria and prove that they will deliver a positive benefit for local people.
It is generally agreed that the needs of teenagers are not very well met in Goldsworth Park and, in discussion with a number of young people, the idea of a skatepark for Goldsworth park was born. We know there has been a surge in interest in skateboarding recently, which will feature in the Olympics for the first time this year. According to Skateboard England, its popularity has grown by 24% over the past year but the few facilities for skateboarding in Woking are sadly outdated and, in Goldsworth Park, non-existent since the half pipe skateboard facility was removed some time ago.
A modern concrete skatepark close to the BMX track and the basketball court would fill a gap in the provision of sporting facilities in the area. We envisage a concrete skatepark as it would be quieter in use, require less maintenance and provide a better experience for all users. Skateparks can be inclusive if designed for beginners as well as more experienced riders. Girls enjoy skateboarding as much as boys and skateparks can be accessible for people with disabilities, including wheelchair users. As the Chief Executive of the charity Action for Kids said: “There is no reason to prevent any young person with a disability from trying even the most daredevil of activities enjoyed by others.”
Skateparks can also be “green” incorporating planting in the design to improve the visual aspect and facilitate drainage. The GPCA is aiming for an inclusive, green skatepark.
We plan to work closely with Woking Borough Council to achieve this great addition to the recreation ground and the final design will depend on the space available, the cost and the feedback on the facilities required.
We would very much welcome input from residents and potential users, particularly those with disabilities, who, after all, are the people who really know what is needed, so please check out our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/A-Skatepark-for-Goldsworth-Park-101420288836423
You can make any suggestions and comments there or you can email chair@ourgoldsworthpark.org.uk.
If you support this ambitious plan, please go to www.surreycc.gov.uk/people-and-community/voluntary-community-and-faith-sector/funding/community-projects-fund, and “like” the project. If there is sufficient support from the local community and youth organisations, we may attract some funding from the £100m set aside for projects to improve communities.
The Children’s Playground
Another aspect of the recreation ground which needs attention is the playground which is extremely popular with families with young children from the Park and surrounding areas so it gets very crowded at times. It has not been refurbished for a number of years and could do with an upgrade as well as some enlargement. One aspect of the playground that needs to be addressed is inclusivity – there is very little equipment that is suitable for children with disabilities. At the moment, there is not a single wheelchair accessible swing or roundabout at any of the Council’s playgrounds so we hope to be among the first to provide such a facility.
You can find out more about plans for the Playground at www.goldsworthparkplayground.org.uk or www.facebook.com/GoldsworthParkPlayground/
If you support this ambitious plan, please go to www.surreycc.gov.uk/people-and-community/voluntary-community-and-faith-sector/funding/community-projects-fund, and “like” the project. If there is sufficient support from the local community, we may attract some funding from the £100m set aside for projects to improve communities.