Work will start in June to remove the 20-years-old wooden skatepark in our Matlock Hall Leys Park and replace it with a new flood resilient stainless steel structure with composite panels.
The news is a big win for the Hall Leys Skatepark Project, who have been working with us to identify funding to replace the current skatepark in Hall Leys, which has come to the end of its life.
After removal of the old skatepark by the District Council's Clean & Green team in June, Fearless Ramps - the successful bidder in a formal tendering exercise - will start to build and weld custom frames before installing riding surfaces ready for the new facility to open at the beginning of September.
A spokesperson for the Hall Leys Skatepark Project said:
"When the Council posted on Facebook the need for community involvement to replace the skatepark a small number of people responded. These included previous users, current users and parents.
"The Council were keen that the views of users and the community led the project. We formed an official community group and support from the team at the District Council was excellent. They attended meetings, gave us a room to meet in, provided volunteer and grant support contacts, the Council remit and procurement process as well as administering and collating a public consultation.
"This list is not exhaustive and between us the District Council team and Hall Leys Skatepark group worked collaboratively to get the project to a fundable state. We are delighted a new skatepark will be up and running in September to provide a fantastic facility for young and old, locals and visitors."
The new skatepark, which has required expensive maintenance in recent years, is one of three projects that will be carried out in a £730,000 Hall Leys Park facelift - thanks mainly to external funding.
The small paddling pool in the children's play area - installed 15 years ago - will be replaced by an easier to maintain, exciting multi-sensory splashpad, while a non-slip resin-bonded surfacing will be installed to main park paths to improve the existing tarmac surface. The ‘Broad Walk’ through Hall Leys Park will be resurfaced as a multi-user shared route to form part of the White Peak Loop, marked out by resin bonded surface treatment with signage at each end and at crossing points, making it clear that pedestrians have priority.
