Merlin supports new indoor skate park

Published by Hywel LLoyd for Merlin Housing Society in Housing and also in Communities

Young skaters are now able to catch some air whatever the weather at a new indoor skate park that’s opened in Winterbourne.

Scores of teenagers were queuing with their boards, bikes and scooters for the chance to try some tricks at the new Subside Indoor Skate Park at Fromeside Youth Centre when it opened at the end of July.

Charlie Williams, Fromeside Youth Centre Manager said: “It was absolutely amazing. We had 154 young people sign up to skate, but we also had loads more who just wanted to listen to the music, plus parents as well. It was like a mini Glastonbury. We had lots of familiar faces but also children from Yate, Frampton Cotterell and Emersons Green come along as well.

“There are not many indoor skate parks in the country and there are even fewer that also offer youth centre facilities as well. We offer a safe, supervised environment and I think young people and parents really respect that.”

The skate park project has been supported by Merlin and its residents. The housing society has provided a £10,000 grant to fund an apprentice for the next year, while residents from the Frome Valley Community Action Group donated £1,500 for new skateboards, BMX bikes and scooters.

“The funding from Merlin is an absolutely essential part of running the park,” Charlie added. “It provides a great opportunity for a young person and it means we can stay open for longer. They will be responsible for all elements of running the park and will learn some valuable skills.”

Merlin Community Investment Officer Kelley Garrett said: “Fromeside Youth Centre was already a great facility but I’m sure that the skate park will make it more popular than ever. We were really impressed by the dedication and commitment of the young people in making it happen.

“We’re committed to investing in our communities, and Fromeside Youth Centre plays an important role in providing children in Winterbourne and the surrounding area with somewhere to go. We were delighted to be able to support them by funding an apprentice.”

For more information about the new skate park, check out its Facebook page www.facebook.com/SubsideSkatepark