Rotherham biking park to tackle antisocial behaviour

Gala Tent MD Jason Mace trying out skateboarding at Dexx Skatepark

Local entrepreneurs Lee Moore and Lee McKeith have introduced a new recreational space for trials bikers of all ages in Wath upon Dearne.

Dexx Skatepark has been open for over a year and has now expanded to host a local trials bike facility. This is only the third Trials Biking park in the UK dedicated solely to the sport. The park is holding an official opening event on Saturday 26th July 2014.

The skatepark provides services and activities that help to develop young people as athletes, individuals and members of society by access to physical recreation that promote well-being. This is a welcome outdoor addition to the already established indoor skatepark which caters for skateboarders and scooter riders.

The business is applying for charity funding as the new park will be decreasing antisocial behaviour even further in the surrounding areas by offering young people a safe and comfortable space to exert their energies. Trials biking is a noble sport which takes determination and skill, and although not recognised by many council-funded parks, is extremely popular in the world of sport.

Residents and traders have for years complained about cycle riders causing a nuisance by pulling stunts on benches, planters and other street furniture near shops and homes in Montgomery Square. Project leaders behind the Dexx Trials Park say the new facility provides cyclists with an outdoor assault course of obstacles and will attract young riders - pulling them away from causing a nuisance in the town’s shopping precinct. The Skatepark has even hosted it's very own activity night on Mischievous Night to entertain young people on a night when they may have been lead astray; last year youth crime was down by 35% on the night in Wath and the surrounding areas, and this was largely accredited to the project at Dexx.

Project leaders are proactively seeking partnerships with young people, agencies and funders to advance the development of the facility and the services within it. Already the Skatepark has it's own skate shop, canteen and seating area with TV and magazines for young people and parents alike to sit and relax. The skatepark on Derwent Way has recently received sponsorship and a helping hand from local marquee manufacturers Gala Tent Ltd. MD Jason Mace, who is always on the lookout for local projects to get behind, has been happy to give structures to the project to use on their opening weekend and even took a turn around the skatepark on his latest visit. Mr Mace said “It's projects like these that keep our communities healthy, if the kids have a place to call their own, everybody is going to be happier.”

The Grand Opening event will be 10am -6pm and will have pro-riders showcasing their skills on the new course. The park itself will be officially opened by the Deputy Mayor and there will also be competitions for all abilities, with a DJ and BBQ throughout the day.

 

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