The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Celebration as skate park plans get the green light
Development: Council approves £140,000 project that began 20 years ago
An Aberdeenshire group is celebrating after its £140,000 skate park plans were approved – 20 years after they were first dreamed up.
Aboyne Wheelers has been trying to create a multi-use skate park for bikers, skaters and rollerbladers, but has had difficulty finding an appropriate site.
Last year, however, the group put forward proposals for the Ladywood area of the village and those have now been approved by Aberdeenshire Council.
The facility has been designed by Concreate Skate Parks, who have already created sites in Inverness and at Kincorth in Aberdeen.
It will be located in an area of woodland to the west of Aboyne Academy’s car park, on the northern side of the village’s multiuse games arena.
Chairman of Aboyne Wheelers, Steve Gardyne, said: “The announcement is a real milestone for the project and brings the village of Aboyne a step closer to having a skatepark for local kids and visitors to enjoy.
“This has not happened overnight and is the result of great commitment and work by different local community members over the years. Various groups have been trying to bring a skate park to the village for more than 20 years.
“In fact, one of our current members was involved in one of the earliest attempts as a child.”
During a community consultation, mixed responses were received from nearby residents.
The effect on surrounding wildlife, impact of noise pollution and potential for antisocial behaviour were all raised.
Barclay Park resident Philip Greene wrote in his objection: “We already have the sports field for the school children and community and feel that these peaceful surroundings should not be further encroached upon.”
However, Emma Palmer, who lives on the Aboyne Castle Estate said: “The drive to have this dream fulfilled continues with yet another generation – a clear indication the sport is not a flash in the pan.”
With around £7,000 understood to have been invested in planning and other costs, the next phase is to raise £120,000 to add to the £25,000 in the kitty to pay for the construction.
It is hoped work will start in spring 2021.