Teenagers ramp up bid for dedicated skatepark
MID ARGYLL youngsters are ramping up the pressure to get their own bike and skatepark.
An online petition to gather support for the plans has been set up by Lochgilphead teenager Cammy Simpson and his friends.
The Advertiser caught up with Cammy, aged 17, and friends Jamie, 16, and Ben, 15, riding on the pavements of Lochgilphead during their school lunch break. ‘Loads of kids around here have started skateboarding, riding BMX bikes and playing on scooters but have had to stop because there’s nowhere to do it,’ said Cammy.
Currently forced to travel to Dumbarton to practice their tricks on proper ramps and jumps, the youngsters believe having a park in Mid Argyll would bring visitors to the area.
Jamie said: ‘We have friends from Arrochar who come here to join us because they’ve even less space than we have. A skatepark here would bring a surprising amount of people in.’
For the group, it is all about getting out and being active, away from public roads and walkways. ‘If I wasn’t out doing this, I’d be sitting around my house,’ said Cammy.
Skateboard Scotland, the sport’s governing body, believes action sports help improve physical and mental health. Sam Paterson of Skateboard Scotland said: ‘Skateparks offer young people a chance to be themselves and to learn at their own pace. It is also a superb way to keep fit and healthy.’
Ardrishaig Community Trust has already been looking into the possibility of a skate and bike park.
Duncan Broadfoot, trust director, explained: ‘There have been various discussions about developing a skatepark and we are continuing to look at the options for this. There are, however, no specific plans at present. We are currently awaiting the outcome of Argyll and Bute Council’s area committee meeting in December where it will be considering the final report from the Crinan Canal workshops.’
Cammy’s petition has been signed by more than 11,000 people from around the globe and is gathering support locally.
Mid Argyll councillor Sandy Taylor said: ‘It would be good to see a dedicated area where they could practice and develop their skills and meet socially.’
A council spokesman said: ‘The council is supportive of any initiative which will improve the area and would be happy to discuss this proposal with the skate park group.’