Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Politicians unite and lend support to restoration bid
Coatbridge’s politicians were united in lending their support to ensure the town’s parkour course is restored.
Fulton MacGregor, the town’s MSP, visited to survey the damage and said: “This fantastic facility brings hours of enjoyment to countless young people; for it to be destroyed so needlessly is incredibly frustrating.
“I’ve contacted Parkour Scotland to offer any support my office can provide, and will be speaking with police to see what can be done to minimise the risk of something like this happening again.”
He added: “I was heartened to see messages of support from other clubs in Coatbridge to help get this facility back up and running as soon as possible.”
Environmental services convener Michael McPake said:“This is really upsetting for everyone associated with the park. Our anger must be channelled into doing all we can to rebuild it. The council, parkour group and community worked together to create it, and it’s become a popular and much-loved place for young people.”
Fellow Coatbridge councillor Bill Shields tweeted: “Gutted for Coatbridge parkour, mindless vandalism! As convener of [the] community partnership, I will work to make our award-winning park safe again.”
Scotland’s first purpose-built parkour course, it first opened in 2011 and then benefited two years ago from a major upgrade funded by Legacy 2014, WREN, the council and Culture NL.
It included a new all-year surface, and received a national commendation at last year’s Nancy Ovens Awards for Play, in the “innovative provision” category.
Play services manager Ross Dunn said: “We want to ensure this mindless act does not ruin this celebrated facility, a focal point for the parkour community.”