The Case for Construction.

Other than the obvious problems with the current park, there are many reasons why a new quality facility is required. Skateboarding is an activity that deserves to be fostered and catered for. It has participants from all social groups, the current scene in Chelmsford, stronger than it has been for a long time, shows the breadth of interest in the activity.

Comments in our facebook group show many people share my frustration that Chelmsford, the county town, has a substandard park when other local small communities such as Dunmow and Saffron Walden have spaces they can be really proud of. I think it is about time that we in Chelmsford finally had something to shout about. Surely the county town should be the leader not running behind trying to catch up.

A good skatepark will be good for Chelmsford as a whole. People are willing to travel to a quality park. This will be good for transport providers and local businesses. The recent Dunmow jam saw a huge turnout in a town that has transport links nowhere near as good as those of Chelmsford.

In a time when obesity of all ages is an issue surely supporting an activity that gets people out of the house and really using their bodies is a great idea. Childhood obesity is particulary an issue, and  young people make up the majority of participants in action sports. In the space of one football field, designed for use by 22 people at a time, something that far more people will find fun, exciting and engaging can be constructed. (To dispel a myth, according to research skateboarding is a much safer activity than football, with less than half as many hospital trips required per 1000 users.*)

The activities in a skatepark are of course not only physical, there is also a large amount of social interaction, often between members of society who would otherwise have little in common. Although some times called action sports they lack the competitive element of team games, with everyone supporting and encouraging each other, taking turns and sharing knowledge by teaching one another tricks.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of reasons, but the first ones that came to mind when thinking about the project. I'm sure that many of you will have more points to add and it would be great to hear them in the comments below.


*Source: 12.3
http://www.ukskate.org.uk/The_Skatepark_Process/Providing_for_Skateboarding/08-13._Maintenance_20080126522/