Southport Skatepark is set for a revamp.
Sefton Council has ordered four new ramp structures for this “much-loved community asset”.
Local rollerblader Mike Marsh had recently launched a petition calling for the facility to be repaired after noticing the wear and tear it has suffered.
Cllr Ian Moncur, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “Let me be clear there are no plans at all to permanently close Southport SkatePark.
“On the contrary in fact, the council continues to invest in this much-loved community asset.
“However, our skate park is made up of four professional structures of a specialist construction and shaping, and of course since they were installed wear and tear has inevitably occurred which means that they will need to be replaced.
“We have already ordered four new ramp structures and while we await delivery and installation of these, we have temporarily closed the park to ensure no-one is hurt.
“We expect all the work to be completed in January, usually the quietest time of the year for the skate park, meaning less disruption for users.
“I’m pleased to hear that local people feel so strongly about Southport Skatepark, and always welcome people’s views on the use of council facilities such as this. I’m glad that the skate park is valued by so many.
“I must say, anyone who has ignored the very clear signage we have installed on the site and has taken it upon themselves to climb the fencing, determined to use the skate park while it’s closed, is putting themselves at risk of injury and is behaving irresponsibly.
“Rest assured, once the brand-new ramps have been installed, Southport Skatepark will remain open for many more years to come.”
Southport rollerblader Mike Marsh, 26, began his petition because he believes the skatepark provides “an amazing community” for local people.
Mike has been rollerblading for 10 years, and has been all around the world teaching people of all ages and abilities how to skate.
He said: “That would not have happened if it wasn’t for Southport Skatepark.
“Before I went to the skatepark I was getting in trouble with the police. At the age of 15 / 16 I realised I needed something to put me on the straight and narrow and then I went to the skate park and I haven’t looked back since.
Southport rollerblader Mike Marsh
“It literally saved my life and it isn’t just me in the local area it has helped, there are hundreds of children that Southport skatepark has helped keep out of trouble.
“Everyone loves Southport Skatepark. The design is perfect, the obstacles are perfect and we are extremely lucky to have a skatepark like that in our town.
“It keeps children in Southport off the streets and into an amazing community where they can concentrate on something good, healthy and give them a motive.”
“The skatepark is a wonderful place. I’ve been going there for over 10 years now and if it wasn’t for Southport Skatepark I wouldn’t have traveled the world doing what I love.
“A skatepark isn’t just a skatepark, it’s a home to some people, it’s the only place where some people can go and feel safe and to be part of a family.
“All we want is for our home to be safe to use not just for us but for the new generation that’s interested.”
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