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

- BY KIRSTEN ROBERTSON

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.

 ??  ?? MILESTONE: Aboyne Wheelers submitted this design as part of its proposal to build the skate park in mature woodland in the Ladywood area
MILESTONE: Aboyne Wheelers submitted this design as part of its proposal to build the skate park in mature woodland in the Ladywood area
 ??  ?? An artist’s impression of the Aboyne skate park seen from Huntly Road
An artist’s impression of the Aboyne skate park seen from Huntly Road
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