TEENS on wheels in Liverpool are to get three new parks for skateboards, BMX bikes and rollerskates.
The move follows a campaign by a group of young people who currently have to go outside the city to enjoy the street sport legally. Supported by Merseyside Youth Association, they called for the introduction of skate parks.
Liverpool City Council says 1,000 teens across the city were asked about their perfect scheme. It emerged they wanted sites that could be used by scooters and BMX bikes as well as roller skates and skateboards, and be suitable for all abilities.
Sites in Everton, Dingle Bank, Newsham Park in Tuebrook and Otterspool are all being investigated to see which are most suitable. A smaller site is also set to be created at in Norris Green.
Mayor Joe Anderson, announced last year that he had allocated £1.5 million of capital funding to be invested in projects for younger people.
He said: “We desperately need more good quality facilities that our young people can use and the feedback we have had demonstrates there is overwhelming support for this type of facility.
“No one knows young people better than young people themselves, which I why I wanted them to drive this scheme. "
Flying the Flags: Joe Anderson with Lewis Golby (left) and Phil Cahill
Lewis Golby, aged 18, said: “I’m really pleased that progress is being made. There is a massive demand for skate parks in Liverpool and they can’t open soon enough.”
Phil Cahill, aged 19, added: “At the moment we have to go outside the city and the overwhelming response to our campaign shows there’s no doubt something like this is much needed. I am really pleased with the way it has turned out.”
Liam Corcoran, a youth worker at MYA, said: “This is a great example of the local authority taking note of the views of young people and working with them to make dreams become a reality. We would like to thank everyone involved in the project so far.”
A final decision on exact locations will be made shortly and it is hoped that, subject to planning approval, work on the first site could start in spring.
