FINGAL County Council has provided a major boost for young locals following the official opening of two new skateparks.
The skatepark in Skerries is designed as a bowl-style facility while Balbriggan’s new skate park at Millpond Park is designed in the classic plaza style.
Both have been designed specifically to complement the character of the sites in each community and will cater to a wide age-range and level of experience.
Mayor of Fingal Cllr Eoghan O’Brien, who opened the parks, said: “By providing accessible facilities like this in Skerries Town Park and Balbriggan Skatepark, the council hopes to foster a culture of health and outdoor recreation amongst users that will be passed on to the generations after them.
“I would like to thank Kevin Halpenny, Senior Parks Superintendent, his team and the contractor, Freestyle Skate Parks, for their hard work on this project.
“I would also like to especially mention the local Skatepark Committee whose support and dedication have been invaluable to deliver the excellent amenity we have here today.”
The council said it recognises the importance of health and recreation in the lives of its citizens. Skateparks provide many benefits to the community including, health and wellbeing, physical activity for children and young people, a safe and challenging place for skaters to develop their skills, and skate parks support vibrant healthy communities, just like other sports facilities and create a positive environment for young people where they forge friendships and camaraderie.
AnnMarie Farrelly, Interim Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, said: “I am delighted to open these two fantastic skateparks that will provide the needed space for the skateboarding community in the areas.
“I would like to thank my team in the Parks & Green Infrastructure Division for their hard work on delivering this much sought after skatepark and I look forward to seeing users young and old availing of this wonderful sporting facility.”
Community engagement was a hallmark of the project. A key aspect of the success of the project is that the design of the skatepark was informed by the users’ needs and complements the character of both sites.
Separately, ‘The Pat Kenny Show’ on Newstalk visited Balbriggan last week which is officially Ireland’s youngest and fastest growing town.
Members of the radio show’s team met with local residents who have been living in the seaside town all their lives, and those who have newly arrived. Meanwhile, Balbriggan’s future is set to be transformed through a €20 million plus rejuvenation plan, an ambitious new vision for the town, which will be shaped by the views of its population which is now in the region of 25,000.
