A number of Kirkcudbright’s young people have chosen to help raise funds for Kirkcudbright Skatepark, a body being set up to assist the development of an outdoor skating facility in town.
A mix of primary and secondary aged children are gearing up to skate Kirkcudbright’s Half Marathon which takes place this Saturday 23 May.
Local businesses have been supporting their challenge with sponsorship already received from a number of shops including Mulberries, Supersave, Harbour Lights, Lily Knowle’s, Richie’s School of Motoring, KBT Pharmacy, Brambles Deli as well as local people from the town.
Some of Kirkcudbright’s Primary School skaters will also be collecting monies for their cause on the day of the marathon, at its starting point in the grounds of Kirkcudbright Academy.
A committee for Kirkcudbright Skatepark was set up just four weeks ago. Funding from national bodies is currently being identified and possible sites are being considered. More than 600 people signed a petition backing a skatepark facility in town and the community group has a following of around 300 on facebook which is growing steadily, with key contacts being made both regionally and nationally.
Following the first fundraiser, local young people will be able to enter a competition to design a logo for Kirkcudbright Skatepark which will appear on all marketing, PR and fundraising materials.
The benefits of a skatepark include community ownership of a local resource, a healthy and exciting challenge and social environment as well as enjoyment through learning how to overcome obstacles and using energy creatively.
Skateparks are becoming ever more popular and are considered a positive way of promoting exercise and maintaining good health. They can offer exciting, integrated landscaping and a safe and attractive place for young people to gather.
Alan McClure, Chairman of Kirkcudbright Skatepark said;
“Our aim is to work with the local community to support our young people in Kirkcudbright and the surrounding area and meet the demand for an outstanding skating facility in this town.
“We would like to encourage everyone to support this project which has numerous benefits and everyone can play a part, no matter how big or small, in making this happen.”
Kate Matthews, sportscotland’s Facilities Team, said:
“sportscotland is committed to helping provide people with more and better opportunities to take part in sport and physical activity. Outdoor skating facilities are popular across Scotland, and the local community behind Kirkcudbright Skatepark can apply to sportscotland for assistance with investment for this project.”
The skating and BMX culture is based on mutual respect, social networking, artistic expression and an appreciation of the environment. It’s a way of life that can be learned early, and is proven to positively effect those who take part. BMX riding has just been accepted as an Olympic sport and skateboarding is also being seriously considered with these sports growing at an exponential rate since the 1970s.
If you are interested in supporting, have any suggestions or wish to join the Kirkcudbright Skatepark Committee please contact Kirkcudbright Committee Secretary Jill Johnston by email, [email protected] or find ‘Kirkcudbright Skatepark’ on facebook
