Skate park restored after campaign win
Battle continues to save country’s ‘only free-to-use half-pipe’
One of the last remaining public skate parks in the UK has been given a new lease of life after a successful campaign to save it from closing down.
Radio presenter Ryan Swain has battled to save what is thought to be the country’s largest and only free-to-access half-pipe from being dismantled between Norton and Malton.
After a year-long campaign, the skate park finally reopened to the public last week after new ramps were installed and a safety inspection by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.
Mr Swain said: “I’m excited to see all generations flood through the gates to use the facility once again.
“The next step is to put Norton and Malton well and truly on the map within the action sports community by repairing the half-pipe once and for all.”
The campaigners even received a video message of support from American professional skateboarder Tony Hawk, who helped popularise the sport.
Initial repairs to the skate park were approved in May last year, but the future of the heritage half pipe remains uncertain after safety concerns were raised.
In August last year, Norton-on-Derwent Town Council’s Mayor Ann Spencer said the half-pipe is “potentially too dangerous” to be opened to children of all ages without supervision.
Mr Swain said volunteers continue to “spearhead the rescue the ramp campaign” and that there are upcoming meetings to discuss the half pipe’s future, which first opened more than 20 years ago.