MONTHS of hard work finding funding and finding out what people wanted came to fruition on Wednesday (15 February) when dozens of young people got their bikes, scooters and boards out to play on a new skate park.
The £52,000 concrete creation in Spiderfield, Purfleet, close to the Garrison estate, is a great attraction for local young people.
A workshop was held in May last year to discuss what local young people would like to see and a skate park came top of the list.
With £52,000 from Section 106 money from a Bellway Homes development there was a chance to provide much-needed new play equipment. Support from various Thurrock Council departments — including housing and environment — made the facility a reality.
On Wednesday Bellway , HAGS Play Ltd, the Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation and local councillors joined residents and other visitors to try out the area.
Music was supplied and LCB Skate provided some training for the young skating hopefuls.
Ward councillor, Oliver Gerrish, said: “This is a great facility for local young people and a magnificent way for the Section 106 money to be spent providing much-needed play equipment for the community.
“I understand that this is just the start for Spiderfield and the whole area and over the coming months we will see everything from a new footpath and cycle link across the park to Tank Lane; a new highways crossing to the Tank Lane estate; outside gym equipment; and even perhaps a dirt BMX track to link in with the cycle track.”
