At last month’s Tring Town Council Meeting on 28th September youmg representatives from Tring Youth Town Council made a presentation to the Town Councillors about the need for renewed skateboarding facilities in Tring.
When the Tring skateboard park was first set up 20 years ago it was a much sort after attraction for young skateboarders from Tring and surrounding towns and villages. Despite having been improved since then, however, it has now become rather old-fashioned as newer skateboarding facilities have been established locallyand with others having been recently refurbished to a high standard.
Recent technical innovations involving specialised high-quality smooth concrete surfaces, plus the impending inclusion of skateboarding as an Olympic sport, have heightened this impression and young skateboarders are now moving elsewhere develop their skills.
Mrs Emma Cave, the Clerk of Tring Youth Town Council was also present to support the young people and answer Town Councillors’ question. She reminded them of the successful track record of the Youth Town Council in making successful funding bids for sporting equipment for the town.
One of the biggest drawbacks of the Tring installations is that it is encased by a high wire mesh enclosure which is not only a hazard for skateboarders but is inhibiting and makes for an unwelcoming impression. All other skateboard parks are unfenced and open on all sides and better integrated with the surrounding open spaces.
The presentation met with a very positive response from the Town Councillors present, including the Town Mayor, Cllr Roxanne Ransley. The Clerk to the Youth Towm Council was invited to gather further information and bring a more detailed report back to the Town Council in due course.