LouthXSports Skate Park Officially Opens

June 25th 2017

On Saturday, 24th June the Louth XSports Skate Park was officially opened. The event, which started at noon, brought to a successful conclusion a project that campaigners have been hoping to have built for many years.

Stuart Pickering

The event had a deep poignancy, however. Councillor Sarah Dodds spoke at the opening, and unveiled a plaque on the side of the Meridian Centre for Stuart Pickering who she paid tribute to. Stuart was one of the members of the LouthXSports committee, and he worked hard to make it happen. So it was tragic that he passed away on 9th May, a short time before he was able to see the project completed.

Stuart was a friend, and I know he would have loved to have seen the park in use because he was very passionate about making sure young people in Louth had this sporting provision. It wasn't the only project he was passionate about, and it was fitting that the plaque was on the Meridian Centre because he also had a hand in its creation when he worked at East Lindsey District Council.

Boards, bikes, and scooters

The weather was fair and not too hot, so it was perfect for the crowd of young people who had gathered with scooters, skateboards and bikes. After the ribbon was cut, and the park was soon full of people trying out their moves. Skateboarder Scott Perkins was there to demonstrate how it is done.

There was a tombola, cake stall, face painting, and a cake was raffled. The aim was to raise money for the skate park's ongoing costs, which will be managed by the LouthXSports group.

Helmets

One concern is that, although some people were wearing helmets, not everyone was. Skateboarding is obviously a fast-paced activity that involves a few tumbles, and it would be ideal if helmets were used by everyone who takes part.

Drainage holes

The park itself has had some problems with drainage due to the type of surface that needs to be used in order for it to be smooth enough for skating on. However, a number of small round drainage spots have been created that show up darker than the surrounding concrete. These are patches that have been filled with a permeable type of concrete to allow better drainage.

The day was a great success, thanks to the hard work of John and Yvonne Andrews and everyone involved with the LouthXSports group. Hopefully the park will give pleasure to Louth's skateboarders for years to come.