Forres skatepark project backed by Tesco
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FORRES took another step towards a new skate park thanks to a donation from a local supermarket.
Forres Skatepark Steering Group accepted a cheque for £500 from Tesco manager Mark Drivers for another awareness raising event following the success of a skating and BMX display on a temporary ramp at Grant Park on Culture Day 2016.
Forres Area Community Trust (FACT) development officer Debbie Herron is part of the group’s project aimed at developing a permanent skate park in the town.
She said: “We are thrilled with the donation from Tesco as it allows us to plan another event for the Spring.
“We have yet to discuss what that event will look like, where it will be and what we will do.
“However, if anyone wants to volunteer to help us organise it that would be a great help.”
Representatives from FACT and local skaters went to Tesco to meet Community Champion Kerry Speed and Mr Drivers to accept the cheque.
Mr Driver said: “There is currently nowhere for young people to go in Forres with their skateboards and so they resort to using car parks.
“This isn’t ideal for anyone as it is not safe for the young skaters or the community.
“We think it is fantastic that FACT are bringing everyone together to try to make a local skate park a reality and we are delighted to support them with a donation.”
More than 100 people gathered to show support for the project on Culture Day in September.
The crowd at Grant Park enjoyed a skating and BMX-ing display, and many tried out a ramp constructed by civil engineering firm BAM Nuttall, AJ Engineering and Keith Builders Merchants on behalf of campaigners Forres Skatepark Steering Group.
The pop-up, half-pipe ramp is now available for events around Forres, helping to raise awareness and interest in the long-term project.
“Since Culture Day we have participated in a joint meeting between Forres, Lossiemouth and Aberlour to share information,” said Ms Herron.
“We are looking to plan a joint visit to other skate parks so that we can learn about what others have done.
“We have been working with Village SOS - a consultancy service funded by the Big Lottery Fund - who have developed an activity and funding plan to help us in the future.
“We are also supporting the Forres 20/20 Planning For Real process which encourages local people to have their say in the future of the town.”
Anyone interested in the Forres skatepark project should contact the FACT office on 01309 674388 or visit the Forres Skate Park Initiative Facebook page.
