Ramping up the excitement at Heathervale skate park

The outdated facilities at the existing skate park, which is currently closed, will be replaced with brand new equipment like ramps, rails and jumps.

It will create a completely upgraded space suitable for children and older people to use skateboards, bikes and scooters, helping all ages keep fit and meet friends.

Cllr Chris Howorth, pictured, Chair of the Council’s Community Services Committee, which first debated the plans said:

I’ve seen over many years how popular skateboarding is; completely relaunching the skate park at Heathervale Rec with new features which can also be enjoyed by BMX bikers and scooter riders, will bring huge benefits for the Borough.

It’s so important we can provide facilities like these which benefit the widest proportion of our residents so as many people can get fit and enjoy themselves locally. I’m confident we’ll create a skate park which will be challenging enough for experienced riders whilst also having features for children on their first bike or scooter.

Cllr Howorth added:

For some young people, more traditional forms of organised entertainment do not chime with them. This skate park will be of great value as a place to exercise, express themselves and show off their skills, meet friends and grow in confidence. There is so much pressure on younger members of our communities these days, so I’m hugely proud we can meet this need.

The upgrade and extra facilities support the Council’s aims in its forthcoming Health and Wellbeing Strategy for local people to live healthy and active lifestyles. Access to facilities such as skate parks are referenced in the strategy.

As well as the upgraded facilities, staff at the Council will also examine whether CCTV can be brought to the site to provide extra reassurance.

The decision to relaunch the Heathervale Rec’s skate park comes after a recent court ruling that Aviator Skate Park in Addlestone must be shut to skaters at all times except between 10am and 4pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

The ruling, by a district judge sitting at Staines Magistrates’ Court in early September, followed an application by nearby residents concerned about noise nuisance from the site.

The court ruled that the cut in hours for the skate park must be implemented by 5 October 2022. This means the wider Aviator Park will also have to be closed temporarily until the skate park equipment can be removed.

Cllr Howorth added:

The Council is determined to provide good quality skating facilities which are popular with young people and which support their health and fitness. We're responding swiftly to the judge's decision by bringing back into use a facility which is only 2.5 miles away. We hope people will bear with us while the upgrade is carried out.