Readers think Leicester's new skatepark cash should go elsewhere

Readers have been voicing their opinions about plans for a new skatepark near Abbey Park that have been approved. Whilst some were happy with the plans, many readers thought the money would be better spent on the adventure playgrounds in the city, which are on the list of services that might be cut as Leicester City Council seeks to save money.

Comments received on the LeicestershireLive Facebook page included concerns regarding the loss of funding for the adventure playgrounds, suggesting the money would be better spent keeping them open. Other comments were in support of the skatepark, with one suggesting it would service the needs of a much wider audience of five to 55 years or greater in age.

The scheme has been years in the making, with the city council first announcing its intention to build it in March 2022. Plans were submitted to the local Authority last August, and the project has now been given the go-ahead.

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One reader wrote: "Yes a skatepark is a great idea in normal times but not when so many other services are facing loss of funding, this money would be far better used to support the adventure playgrounds, they offer much more than a place to play."

Another wrote: "Pity the money can’t be spent keeping the adventure playgrounds open." A further reader said: "All that money spent on one area when they could save adventure playgrounds for all areas, would you let your five, six, seven or even ten year old go to abbey park on their own?"

One reader said: "Why not use it for the sure start playgroups that have closed everywhere or the adventure play ground that helps the community a lot more than this would."

Others were in support of the plans. One wrote: "All these people saying the money should be spent on an adventure playground. A playground may service the needs of children up to maybe the age of ten or twelve at a push? A skatepark will service the needs of people aged five to 55 or greater.

"Although called a skatepark it will also attract BMX, roller bladers and scooter riders. Skateboarding and BMX are both Olympic sports. At least one of our Olympic team members (Joe Hinson) cut his teeth in skateparks just like this. Leicester has a rich history of skateboarding.

"Yes it may get graffiti on it, but this adds to the rich culture skateboarding provides. This is a great thing for the city of Leicester and UK Skateboarding."

While another said: "So looking forward to this - sounds great! We’ve been to a fair few around the UK and by talking to locals they are such a great asset . Plus it breaks a lot of the stereotypes about skateparks!"

One reader didn't want the plans to go ahead as they said they would lose the space that had traditionally been used by dog owners. They said: "Another waste of money the space for years has been used by dog owners and dog groups. It’s a safe space to let them run around and have fun I have run my dog walk there for years and our pets are really going to miss it."

The city council declined to comment.