Brakes put on Chippenham skatepark site (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Its a shame that the residents of Monkton park rejected this on an old "Stereotypical" view on youths, but like most elderly people some are set in their ways and wont change their views regardless of the decade we are in.

Chippenham is heavy criticised on lack of amenities for the youth however it all boils down to voting and thats what the local authority listens too.....as well as the jingle money when it comes round to re-election so the elderly are on to a winner each time as the youth of today are mostly working and the elderly are either pottering around in town or seeing what they can vote "against". I suppose I do come across as ignorant to people's needs or views but then again this is a democratic country so I will have my say. I hope the local community does get its skate park and there is much support for it. #justsaying

I bet the people that have gone against this are the same people that turn around in the next breath and criticise kids for staying in all day playing computer games.
Kids can't win nowadays. Poor buggers.

Can someone explain why we can’t have a skatepark at Stanley Park? Next to the BMX track would make perfect sense. Seems like a perfect location to me – designed for sports and recreation, toilets/ changing/ storage facilities on site, doesn’t remove a public open green space, doesn't distrurb other people’s relaxation, close to Chippenham and Pewsham, no potential conflicts with other users, no residents to disturb, no potential action for the Council to have to defend itself against, no costly investigations or monitoring required, land available right now, skateboarders get a great facility in a short time scale, everybody happy … Let’s get on with it!

I do get somewhat fed up with people assuming that I, who will be 80 years old this year, together with many of my contemporaries have no sympathy with the idea about, or approval of, kids enjoying themselves.
I have been hoping for over 10 years, since the last fiasco of a skatepark in Monkton Park created by the NWDC, that there would soon be a skatepark in Chippenham. I do live in Monkton Park estate, but not in Sadlers Mead and so the noise created by one in the park would not affect me in the slightest. I am also NOT posh.
However I do not think that Monkton Park is a good location for it. The park does satisfy many people by the open, riverside space which has on it a little childrens' playground and an enclosed ballsports ground for older children. In addition it is used for music concerts, fairs, fireworks displays and folk music festivals etc. etc. To add a skatepark would reduce its overall appeal to most of the citizens of and visitors to Chippenham.
I cannot for the life of me see why it cannot be sited at Stanley Park, which comes with all the necessary facilities and which would not be downgraded by the addition of a skatepark.
It really is something that needs to be settled as soon as possible, and although I have never skateboarded because they weren't invented when I was still young, I do thoroughly support its inclusion into our town's sports facilities as soon as possible.

The problem that some young people may currently have in getting to skate parks in surrounding villages, such as Corsham, would be very much eased by the building of a facility in Stanley Park. So, why not?

"just saying" regards the "elderly" with dismay and is quite derogatory about us. He should instead remember what the elderly have done for this country.

Age has nothing to do with the skate park issue.. It is so obvious to most straight-thinking people that Monkton Park is not suitable for a skate park not only because of the surrounding residential, office and leisure property and the small childrens' playground but because of the natural unspoiled beauty of the park itself. It is nonsense of the council to claim that a skate park "would enhance the surroundings". Apart from that, Councillor Allen promised in writing that if there was any possibility of the present noise levels experienced at houses being exceeded the council would not proceed with Monkton Park

There are other sites far more suited for this purpose and the council should think again. Then the young people would get a site which they could enjoy without causing concern and worry to other people.

jimbellana wrote:
I do get somewhat fed up with people assuming that I, who will be 80 years old this year, together with many of my contemporaries have no sympathy with the idea about, or approval of, kids enjoying themselves.
I have been hoping for over 10 years, since the last fiasco of a skatepark in Monkton Park created by the NWDC, that there would soon be a skatepark in Chippenham. I do live in Monkton Park estate, but not in Sadlers Mead and so the noise created by one in the park would not affect me in the slightest. I am also NOT posh.
However I do not think that Monkton Park is a good location for it. The park does satisfy many people by the open, riverside space which has on it a little childrens' playground and an enclosed ballsports ground for older children. In addition it is used for music concerts, fairs, fireworks displays and folk music festivals etc. etc. To add a skatepark would reduce its overall appeal to most of the citizens of and visitors to Chippenham.
I cannot for the life of me see why it cannot be sited at Stanley Park, which comes with all the necessary facilities and which would not be downgraded by the addition of a skatepark.
It really is something that needs to be settled as soon as possible, and although I have never skateboarded because they weren't invented when I was still young, I do thoroughly support its inclusion into our town's sports facilities as soon as possible.

The problem that some young people may currently have in getting to skate parks in surrounding villages, such as Corsham, would be very much eased by the building of a facility in Stanley Park. So, why not?

So basically you are saying that Monkton Park is too posh for the skateboard park?
Yet you say you aren't posh. This attitude proves otherwise.
If Monkton Park has as much appeal as you say it does, then having a skate park can only add to it.

You also seem to think that Stanley park is quite a poor park by your post. I agree. Stanley park isn't nice enough for a children's facility. More argument to have it in Monkton park I think.

Although I think that with the amount of empty shops in town, they could build it in the high street where it is out of the way of everyone.

I couldn't believe it when I heard they said they're going to concrete the only nice part of Chippenham town centre, for a skate park. I sometimes only shop in Chippenham, instead of going to another location, as I know that after shopping I can sit by the river with some food I have bought in a cafa, or watch the families bring their children to feed the ducks and swans. Why not build in the John Coles Park, so the river and wildlife will be free of teenagers leaving rubbish and noise?

jimbellana wrote:
I do get somewhat fed up with people assuming that I, who will be 80 years old this year, together with many of my contemporaries have no sympathy with the idea about, or approval of, kids enjoying themselves.
I have been hoping for over 10 years, since the last fiasco of a skatepark in Monkton Park created by the NWDC, that there would soon be a skatepark in Chippenham. I do live in Monkton Park estate, but not in Sadlers Mead and so the noise created by one in the park would not affect me in the slightest. I am also NOT posh.
However I do not think that Monkton Park is a good location for it. The park does satisfy many people by the open, riverside space which has on it a little childrens' playground and an enclosed ballsports ground for older children. In addition it is used for music concerts, fairs, fireworks displays and folk music festivals etc. etc. To add a skatepark would reduce its overall appeal to most of the citizens of and visitors to Chippenham.
I cannot for the life of me see why it cannot be sited at Stanley Park, which comes with all the necessary facilities and which would not be downgraded by the addition of a skatepark.
It really is something that needs to be settled as soon as possible, and although I have never skateboarded because they weren't invented when I was still young, I do thoroughly support its inclusion into our town's sports facilities as soon as possible.

The problem that some young people may currently have in getting to skate parks in surrounding villages, such as Corsham, would be very much eased by the building of a facility in Stanley Park. So, why not?

I agree with you. The grass by the river is a great community spot, where there are festivals, families come to feed the river birds, or have picnics. It's the only nice part of the Chippenham town centre. I would be devastated in they concreted over the grass to build a skate park. I don't think I would ever go shopping in Chippenham again, if it just becomes another concrete jungle.

goldij wrote:
"just saying" regards the "elderly" with dismay and is quite derogatory about us. He should instead remember what the elderly have done for this country.

Age has nothing to do with the skate park issue.. It is so obvious to most straight-thinking people that Monkton Park is not suitable for a skate park not only because of the surrounding residential, office and leisure property and the small childrens' playground but because of the natural unspoiled beauty of the park itself. It is nonsense of the council to claim that a skate park "would enhance the surroundings". Apart from that, Councillor Allen promised in writing that if there was any possibility of the present noise levels experienced at houses being exceeded the council would not proceed with Monkton Park

There are other sites far more suited for this purpose and the council should think again. Then the young people would get a site which they could enjoy without causing concern and worry to other people.

Having served 20+ yrs in the military I totally understand what the elderly have done not only for our nation but also for many generations to come, however my remarks where not derogatory but may be of ignorance. Stating that since my first initial post it actually does turn out to be the "Elderly generation" that have put the stoppers on this. Perhaps the Coun Allen could drive around the local area's in an evening and realise that there are many youths out there after 7-8pm where most voters against their much needed skatepark are in bed. If we dont understand each others generation and social trends how can we ever become a close nit community? I was always taught "there has to be give on take on both sides" or else we will never get anywhere.

Nick172 wrote:
Can someone explain why we can’t have a skatepark at Stanley Park? Next to the BMX track would make perfect sense. Seems like a perfect location to me – designed for sports and recreation, toilets/ changing/ storage facilities on site, doesn’t remove a public open green space, doesn't distrurb other people’s relaxation, close to Chippenham and Pewsham, no potential conflicts with other users, no residents to disturb, no potential action for the Council to have to defend itself against, no costly investigations or monitoring required, land available right now, skateboarders get a great facility in a short time scale, everybody happy … Let’s get on with it!

Those facilities you mention would only be available if the council agreed to pay someone to open & run them.
THEN they would have to decide how late they would be able to stay open.
THEN they would have to consider lighting,
THEN they would have to consider H & S due to the remote position of Stanley Park.
(It aint that close to "Chippenham and Pewsham"!!)
THEN there would be the potential complaints from the teams using the footie pitches due to the noise distraction caused by the skateboarders.
Then........ Oh yes - I can see at least 5 years worth of required debate there......

So the teams using the football pitches at Stanley Park "might complain about the noise from the skate park?" But its OK to put the skatepark in Monkton Park near to houses? Help please!!

goldij wrote:
So the teams using the football pitches at Stanley Park "might complain about the noise from the skate park?" But its OK to put the skatepark in Monkton Park near to houses? Help please!!

Who said it was OK to put a noisy skate park in Monkton Park?

notscot wrote:

goldij wrote:
So the teams using the football pitches at Stanley Park "might complain about the noise from the skate park?" But its OK to put the skatepark in Monkton Park near to houses? Help please!!

Who said it was OK to put a noisy skate park in Monkton Park?

Replying to "Notscot", lots of people including in particular Cllr Desne Allen and Cllr Jane Scott.

goldij wrote:

notscot wrote:

goldij wrote:
So the teams using the football pitches at Stanley Park "might complain about the noise from the skate park?" But its OK to put the skatepark in Monkton Park near to houses? Help please!!

Who said it was OK to put a noisy skate park in Monkton Park?

Replying to "Notscot", lots of people including in particular Cllr Desne Allen and Cllr Jane Scott.

That's fine - provided it wasn't assumed that I said that it would be alright. HOWEVER - the right equipment may not be as noisy as the last? Will it be the re-installation of the old kit? Will it be in the same position?
Amazing. Every comment and suggestion here could provide more fuel for the lengthy discussions already had............
Put Jan. 2023 in your diaries!

OK here's the question. A Skate park of modern cement construction puts out an average of 80 decibels of sound and when the users performance "tricks" on their borads/skates etc the noise goes up regularly to 104 decibels. The average noise level at neighbouring houses is 37 decibels. The council says that by the time the noise reaches the holuses it will reduce to no more than 40 decibels. But neither they nor their consultants have been able to prove this, neither by a promise to "simulate" the noise which they haven't been able to do, nor by an organised visit to a skate park which thae council promised but two monthsa later have still not arranged. In the meantime Cllr Allen's promise that they won't go ahead if there is any increase in noise levels at houses still stands. Can you therefore not feel that the suspicion of householders that there WILL be a significant increase in noise levels is justified?

notscot wrote:

Nick172 wrote:
Can someone explain why we can’t have a skatepark at Stanley Park? Next to the BMX track would make perfect sense. Seems like a perfect location to me – designed for sports and recreation, toilets/ changing/ storage facilities on site, doesn’t remove a public open green space, doesn't distrurb other people’s relaxation, close to Chippenham and Pewsham, no potential conflicts with other users, no residents to disturb, no potential action for the Council to have to defend itself against, no costly investigations or monitoring required, land available right now, skateboarders get a great facility in a short time scale, everybody happy … Let’s get on with it!

Those facilities you mention would only be available if the council agreed to pay someone to open & run them.
THEN they would have to decide how late they would be able to stay open.
THEN they would have to consider lighting,
THEN they would have to consider H & S due to the remote position of Stanley Park.
(It aint that close to "Chippenham and Pewsham"!!)
THEN there would be the potential complaints from the teams using the footie pitches due to the noise distraction caused by the skateboarders.
Then........ Oh yes - I can see at least 5 years worth of required debate there......

Almost not worth expending the energy to respond to this…
You say: “those facilities you mention would only be available if the council agreed to pay someone to open & run them,” which is exactly the same for the bmx track, football pitches etc. which seem to be working – that’s what Stanley Park is for. The facilities are already there. Other sites would need more spending, and if put in a park like Monkton Park or John Coles, constant surveillance, extra security, police activity, noise monitoring, etc. Not needed at a purpose built facility.
You say: ”they would have to decide how late they would be able to stay open,” which is a very good thing, or are you suggesting one in the middle of a park could stay open all hours?! Very social minded!
You say: “they would have to consider lighting” As they would in Monkton Park or wherever it goes.
You say: “they would have to consider H & S due to the remote position of Stanley Park. (It aint that close to "Chippenham and Pewsham"!!) Why would Stanley Park be so well used by schools and youth groups if it was so remote? Hundreds of kids walk to Abbeyfield (opposite) from throughout Chippenham each day. Pewsham is on the other side of the road.
You say: “there would be the potential complaints from the teams using the footie pitches due to the noise distraction caused by the skateboarders.” What?! The football players would be disturbed by skateboard noise but park goers and Chippenham residents wouldn’t?! Laughable!
You say: “I can see at least 5 years worth of required debate there” I’m reliably informed a skatepark would already be there if not for the Town Council (what’s going on there you may well ask)
I can’t see any real argument against Stanley Park here. Purpose built for a skatepark, if you ask me.

Nick172 wrote:

notscot wrote:

Nick172 wrote: Can someone explain why we can’t have a skatepark at Stanley Park? Next to the BMX track would make perfect sense. Seems like a perfect location to me – designed for sports and recreation, toilets/ changing/ storage facilities on site, doesn’t remove a public open green space, doesn't distrurb other people’s relaxation, close to Chippenham and Pewsham, no potential conflicts with other users, no residents to disturb, no potential action for the Council to have to defend itself against, no costly investigations or monitoring required, land available right now, skateboarders get a great facility in a short time scale, everybody happy … Let’s get on with it!

Those facilities you mention would only be available if the council agreed to pay someone to open & run them. THEN they would have to decide how late they would be able to stay open. THEN they would have to consider lighting, THEN they would have to consider H & S due to the remote position of Stanley Park. (It aint that close to "Chippenham and Pewsham"!!) THEN there would be the potential complaints from the teams using the footie pitches due to the noise distraction caused by the skateboarders. Then........ Oh yes - I can see at least 5 years worth of required debate there......

Almost not worth expending the energy to respond to this… You say: “those facilities you mention would only be available if the council agreed to pay someone to open & run them,” which is exactly the same for the bmx track, football pitches etc. which seem to be working – that’s what Stanley Park is for. The facilities are already there. Other sites would need more spending, and if put in a park like Monkton Park or John Coles, constant surveillance, extra security, police activity, noise monitoring, etc. Not needed at a purpose built facility. You say: ”they would have to decide how late they would be able to stay open,” which is a very good thing, or are you suggesting one in the middle of a park could stay open all hours?! Very social minded! You say: “they would have to consider lighting” As they would in Monkton Park or wherever it goes. You say: “they would have to consider H & S due to the remote position of Stanley Park. (It aint that close to "Chippenham and Pewsham"!!) Why would Stanley Park be so well used by schools and youth groups if it was so remote? Hundreds of kids walk to Abbeyfield (opposite) from throughout Chippenham each day. Pewsham is on the other side of the road. You say: “there would be the potential complaints from the teams using the footie pitches due to the noise distraction caused by the skateboarders.” What?! The football players would be disturbed by skateboard noise but park goers and Chippenham residents wouldn’t?! Laughable! You say: “I can see at least 5 years worth of required debate there” I’m reliably informed a skatepark would already be there if not for the Town Council (what’s going on there you may well ask) I can’t see any real argument against Stanley Park here. Purpose built for a skatepark, if you ask me.

If you couldn't spot the tongue in cheek - hard luck!!
My WHOLE argument is the spurious debate that the local councillors seem to feel needs to be done at the drop of a mere suggestion - I was listing some of the more ridiculous arguments that SOMEONE will use to prevent the skateboard park from being sited ANYWHERE within the boundaries of Chippenham!!
You really believe that there is a possibility that the councillors would be happy to consider Stanley Park?
The old skatepark closed in 10 years ago. Stanley Park opened 8 years ago. Why hasn't the skateboard Park been up and running for at least 7 years if it's such an ideal spot and no-one could possibly object - as you seem to suggest?
It's because it isn't wanted or supported by those who've so far managed to prevent it's reappearance for a whole decade.