Passing Comment –
By Sue Vincent Jones:
Skate park revamp will be good for Barry
Absolutely delighted this week to see that precise plans are finally underway to get the long-neglected Richard Taylor Memorial Skate Park back to its former glory.
The Vale Council has bombarded our social media with some nifty drawings and a link for us residents to have our say.
Mind you, I had to laugh. You click on the link and then you have all the faff of setting up an account before you can put your two penn’orth in. Why do our council always say they are keen to communicate and then make it as awkward as possible?
Mind you, it’s still progress and you can have your say here.
Picking back up the positive though, it’s great to see the Knap site firmly in focus. In March 2022, the new Skate Park got the go ahead after the £40k funding target was reached.
Respect to Richard’s family and friends who campaigned relentlessly.
The Welsh inline skating and freestyle skiing champion, who put Barry on the map with his skating skills, died after a freak accident in 2004. And the memorial to him fell into a heart-breaking health and safety hazard in dire need of refurbishment and repair.
For me, it’s the perfect place for would-be Sky Browns to show off their sharp skills. Bold Barrians can feel optimistic about making their mark in this now Olympic sport. It also gives our racing residents, of any age, the chance to have some fun in the fresh air.
It also, I’m told, causes no chaos for nearby residents, is well-respected as a mark to Richard’s memory, and is much-used by skaters and spectators alike.
What’s not to love?
I’ve certainly waxed lyrical about this before and was straight in to have my say on the consultation. My asked-for three suggestions were a modern, vibrant Skate Park that:
1/ Has different areas for different abilities and ages so that it is inclusive to all.
2/ Makes room for decent spectator seating, with room for anyone strolling past who wants to watch as they take in the summer sun or winter breeze.
3/ And some light touch policing to ensure the site stays solely with a community hub vibe.
What do you think?
- The views expressed by columnists of this newspaper do not necessarily reflect the views of the Glamorgan Star, its employees or its proprietors
🌟 This article first appeared in the printed edition of the Glamorgan Star on 15.09.22 – read it in print first!
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