Skatepark opens
A new £40,000 skatepark in Reepham has been hailed a resounding success after townsfolk gathered to celebrate its official grand opening on Sunday. A day of events, skating competitions, music and food was put on to welcome the new skatepark on Stimpson's Piece in the town.
A new £40,000 skatepark in Reepham has been hailed a resounding success after townsfolk gathered to celebrate its official grand opening on Sunday.
A day of events, skating competitions, music and food was put on to welcome the new skatepark on Stimpson's Piece in the town.
Not only has it carried out its intended purpose - giving youngsters in the town new facilities - it has also helped reduce bad behaviour in the town centre, town bosses who helped get it built said.
Town councillor John Dawes said: “The skatepark has proved incredibly popular with the age group that use it. It is amazing to go down there and see the numbers of kids on it.
“Our two PCSOs have said to me they have noticed that there is a lot less misbehaviour in early evenings in the town centre.
“The children seem to have a sense of ownership over it and it is being treated well, so it has been a good investment.”
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Along with the skatepark is a new youth shelter and both have proved hugely successful.
For the opening event on Sunday, Drift Skate Shop from Norwich judged skateboard competitions and gave away a £130 skateboard to overall winner Joel Day.
Under 12s winner was Adam Groome, runner up James McCann, 12-16 category winner was Philip Ashford, runner up Adam Skinner. Over 16s winner was Joel Day, runner up Tom H.B.
Prizes were presented by Busty Rudd, one of the oldest residents of Reepham. And local bands Circus and Carpe Diem played in the pavilion in the afternoon.
The skateboard park came about as a result of a town appraisal. It was found there weren't enough facilities for young people.
A police liaison officer helped by working with Reepham High School students and carried out a survey to find out what they wanted. More than 40pc wanted a skatepark.
It cost about £40,000, £38,000 came from a Biffa award - a grant through the landfill tax scheme - and also has CCTV cameras.
It is the latest addition to Stimpson's Piece. Earlier this year the new youth shelter was unveiled and last year a new children's play area was built.
