Bristol teen's plea: Help us win funding for new skate park

Published by jessica.britton for Merlin Housing Society in Housing and also in Communities

A Winterbourne teenager is calling on the local community to support his youth centre’s bid for funding to make its skate park bigger and better.

Teenager Ryan Wood has bid for £18,000 from the Channel 4 and Barclay’s Bank initiative, The Stake, to turn a room at Fromeside Youth Centre into a year round indoor skate park.

The space is already well used by members of the youth centre who practice their moves on several home made ramps.

If Ryan’s business plan is successful, the money would be used to buy in professional ramps, safety equipment, and fund two-full time apprenticeships for young people aged 16 – 24 to help run the skate park.

Ryan said: “The park will be run as a social enterprise by a management committee of young people. Revenue generated will be reinvested in maintaining the ramps and organising events, tutoring and competitions.
“It will help keep young people off the streets, reducing anti-social behaviour and vandalism. The park will be a safe, quality facility for young people.”

The 20 projects with the highest support will be shortlisted for a chance to win a share of the £100,000 prize fund. The skate park appeal is currently backed by 120 people and is hoping to win the support of more local people.

Among those already supporting the campaign are Merlin Housing Society residents who form the Frome Valley Community Action Group. They recently donated £1,400 for new skateboards, BMX bikes and scooters. Now they are urging other people to back the campaign

Frome Valley CAG chair Heather Greenan, said: “The skate park is a wonderful facility for young people and the kids love it. We’re delighted to support this project and hope it will be successful in winning further funding to make it even better.”

To support the appeal, you should visit www.thestake.co.uk and search for the idea: sick skate park.
 
You can also support the appeal via the Fromeside Youth Centre Facebook page. The closing date for pledging support is Friday 23 December.