By Lucy Ashton
Helensburgh Skatepark reopened at the weekend on the waterfront and crowds gathered for the relaunch with a ribbon cutting ceremony by Jackie Hood the Skatepark project leader.
Chaz Mailey designed new ramps, supported by BMX rider Kriss Kyle of X Games, with equipment that will ride and flow better than the original equipment whilst conforming to planning restrictions, considered temporary by the council. Scooters, BMX, skates, skateboards and mountain bikes will all be welcome at the park.
Jackie Hood said “Wheeled sports has become a popular activity among various age groups and genders in purpose-built spaces in a controlled environment, providing children opportunities to grow and thrive in such environments is essential to sustain healthy communities, skateparks offer kids physical fitness, mental well-being, social skills, and a sense of achievement, boosting their confidence and self-esteem.
“These skills can be applied to academic pursuits and daily activities, ultimately improving their cognitive skills which transfer to other aspects of life, enabling them to face challenges confidently, that surpasses sedentary behaviours such as spending too much time in front of screens”
A Skatepark Rock Band fundraising event for all ages is set for May 18th at 8pm with a donation of £10, the venue being Unit 23 Skatepark Dumbarton where food and drinks will be available.
