There is a need for adequate wheeled sports facilities in Oxford that is not being met.
The Oxford Wheels Project has proved this need not only through its local and national surveys but through its own provision of the Meadow Lane Skatepark in Iffley, a highly successful temporary measure funded and maintained by volunteers for 10 years.
The OWP park serves up to 150 unique users on a daily basis and we are providing for only one of many styles of skating. We offer only ramps, which could be compared to having a gymnasium with only parallel bars and not catering for other disciplines, so we provide for only a fraction of Oxfords need.
Our ramps are due to close this year, we are unable to maintain them in their temporary state, planning restricts us from building at our current location and so it is vital that we locate site for a permanent solution to wheeled sports provision in Oxford.
WHY WHEELED SPORT PROVISION IS IMPORTANT
Provision or wheeled sports is extremely important for the skaters, for their parents and for the council.
Skateparks offer a safe alternative place to ride away from the streets, the traffic and pedestrians and allow people to meet, socialise and practice their sports without fear of arrest or reprisal. By providing for skating you are encouraging a healthy, active lifestyle that is proven to appeal to those who may not enjoy team sports and embraces a youth culture away from computer games and television.
Its extremely challenging and physically demanding with huge benefits both physiologically and mentally – its a very social pastime and Meadow Lane has been the second home for many disaffected kids
HOW SKATING AND BMX BENEFITS PEOPLE
A fundamental element of wheeled sports is respect, everyone who rides appreciates what its like to start out and how hard it is to do and so in any skatepark you will see people encouraging one another and sharing skills. It is not competitive, it is a challenge only to better yourself.
For those of you who have seen a busy skatepark, you may have asked yourself why there arent more collisions– respect and courtesy and discipline.
This is engrained into every user of the park and are simple virtues that are carried into every day life.
The huge age range at skateparks lend themselves to self policing communities. Experienced riders are able to keep people in check and ensure everyone gets to ride fairly, the newcomers are keen to learn and so listen watch the older guys and everyone watches each others backs to the point where parents are happy to leave their kids at meadow lane safe in the knowledge that theyre not going to get into trouble or come to any harm. Parents rely on us to entertain their kids through summer:
Messages of support from skaters parents
It keeps my children entertained for hours and is a safe place forthem to hang out and stay out of trouble.These young people are really the cream of British society, peaceful, caring, sporty, helpful and polite.
I have always been happy leaving my son alone in their company on the ramps. It is the people without skateboards we want to watch out for
OXFORD CITY COUNCIL COMMITMENTS
The Oxford City council has laid out in it’s Overarching Leisure Strategy that it is commited to
Ensure the equity of access and diversity of provision
To encourge participation in healthier lifestyles
To enhance the vibrancy of the Oxford brand
To nurture community well being nd enable the expression of commnity spirit
By providing space for a wheeled sport facility Oxford City Council is meeting the aims it has committed itself to achieving.