Forum Topic

Skatepark in Brentford

I see a petition has been set up to build a Skatepark in Brentford for all the new youngsters who are expected to flood into the area.   See news story on front page.   Is this suggestion a welcomed one and where should it be sited?   Must need a good sized space and not too close to residential homes as is surely quite a noisy.

Jennifer Selig ● 2163d13 Comments

I think it would be well worth those promoting this initiative to do some research (a) about existing UK skateparks and their level of usage and finance. Since the skateboard 'boom' in the 70's and 80's a lot of them have gone out of business as young peoples' enthusiasms have changed; and (b) about the likely level of demand from young people for such a facility.If the existing skatepark in Isleworth is hardly used, is there really much point in opening another a mile or two away?

Mick Brent ● 2152d

Jennifer, the Milford is at Isleworth, down London Rd about 150 yards past the fire station going toward Hounslow.

Keith Iddon ● 2153d

Nice Idea, I was one who supported the really excellent BMX/Skateboard park at London Road opposite the Milford Arms, opened by Mayor Ted Pauling I think.But bullying petty crime and drugs stuffed that up as is, so common no real funding was in place for it's long term upkeep and no-one foresaw the need for staffing or policing it.Under the flyover in Boston Manor Park would be a perfect location. Already popular with kids dirt biking and older kids like things 'raw' do be more freestyle in what they can do, but there is enough space to have a good site and of course a all year cover and they can make as much noise as they like  and it is easy to monitor with CCTV.Yes it would cost a bit but as Guy mentioned it's the upkeep and long term maintenance that is failed upon time and time again that lets good facilities down.Or Gunnersbury Park but not the expensive for the week heeled only facilities that they are so keen on there as these are seriously divisive and not good for the social well being of this district.

Raymond Havelock ● 2153d

Where is the Milford Arms?

Jennifer Selig ● 2154d

What happened to the skate/bmx park opposite the Milford Arms?

Keith Iddon ● 2154d

Yes I've now located Thornbury Park on a map.  It is well served by main line train to Isleworth, also local buses on London Road.  Therefore agree, no point in opening another SkatePark in Brentford, enthusiasts can easily get to the one, hardly used, at Thornbury Park.

Jennifer Selig ● 2154d

I can't help but wonder why this is needed?I regularly pass the skatepark in Thornbury Park and it's usually empty or just has a couple of kids sitting on it.I can't see it attracting kids from outside Brentford, if kids in Brentford aren't even using the one in Thornbury.If local taxpayers aren't footing the bill then go for it - but seems a waste to me.

Martin Webb ● 2155d

Under the flyover would be an excellent idea but is there a large enough space there?  Also decent public transport access.  This central site would attract youngsters from a wide area too.

Jennifer Selig ● 2160d

£400K could build the best municipal skatepark in the UK! This is clearly not needed for Brentford. ££100k should be enough. I believe CPS or Maverick are the park design specialists to go to in this field.

Mark Sherred ● 2160d

This is a great idea. I would suggest maybe situated under M4 flyover. You could also get GSK/Sky TV to cough up!

Mark Sherred ● 2160d

It is a pity that the petition is so thin on details. Location, cost and maintenance should all have at least a sketch of a plan so people have some idea of the implications. In principle sounds great, but it is hard to sign a petition which is so nebulous.

Christopher Gillie ● 2161d

I've made contact with the person who started the petition and agreed to support this. It's not simple because clearly any skate park would have to be located carefully plus there is considerable set up cost (£400K was mentioned) and arrangements would be needed for maintaining it, also probably not at negligible cost.But would (probably -I'm no expert - be a popular attraction for young people and I'm informed is about to become an Olympic sport.

Guy Lambert ● 2163d

A very good idea, but as you say, where? It is indeed a rather noisy activity. I was in Market Square one evening and two boys were using the large middle section of seating  to skateboard on and off and were also doing a move which involved skating along the ground then jumping and  slamming the skateboard against the edge of the wood where it angles to the ground. I did in the end say that they were damaging the wood - they said they weren't and were at least polite. I spoke to them after an al fresco diner at La Rosetta had asked them to keep the noise down (an impossibility given the activity). I was torn between spoiling the young people's enjoyment and the fact that it was an inappropriate and intrusive activity given the setting. So where could a skate park go? Suddenly I'm thinking of the park near to the pedestrian gate to Syon Park - can't remember its name (Brent Lea?).

Anne England ● 2163d