MEMBERS of the United Skate Foundation (USF) have visited the new skate park in Lochside Park in Castle Douglas, which is due to be completed at the end of the month.
It is now over ten years since the facility was first proposed but a number of delays and set backs held up the project.
The skate park will be part of the council’s outdoor activities centre development and is designed to be used by skateboarders, in-line skaters and BMX users.
The USF was involved in choosing the design for the skate park. Treasurer and community councillor Martin Fortnum said: “After many years of hard work it’s great to see a skate park in Castle Douglas”.
Chair of Stewartry area committee, councillor Patsy Gilroy, said: “It's wonderful to see, after all the effort and hard work, Castle Douglas skate park actually take shape on the ground. The United Skate Foundation has been the driving force behind this achievement.
“Although the founder members have moved on, new skaters eagerly anticipate the opening of the skate park in the very near future.”
Formed in 1999, several generations of young people have been involved in the USF. They have been supported by the community council, police and community learning and development service throughout.
The group run their own committee, organised trips to see other skate parks and take part in the Lochside Park users group.
Harriet Oxley, community development worker, said:
“Young people and community members have worked hard to get to this point and, despite many ups and downs, have remained committed to getting a skate park for Castle Douglas. It’s great to see it’s almost there.”
