Skaters help choose company to build Barnstaple skatepark

October 28, 2008

BARNSTAPLE skateboarders helped choose the company which will build a new skatepark in the town.

Gravity Engineering Ltd has won the contract to construct the skateboard and BMX park in Rock Park.

Three short-listed companies met members of Rock Park SK8 Committee who quizzed them on possible designs and features.

North Devon Council, in consultation with the skaters' group, then chose the contractor they felt could create the best skate park.

Gravity Engineering will be working closely with the committee to create the final design.

Building work is expected to begin early in the New Year.

Dan Gaunt, from Rock Park SK8 Committee, said: "It's going to be epic, that's for sure. It is great to see it happening after working on it for so long."

Construction is planned to begin on January 12 and the skate park is expected to take about 12 weeks to complete.

Councillor Des Brailey, deputy leader of North Devon Council, said: "We are delighted to work closely with local skateboarders to develop a state-of-the-art skate park near the centre of town."

Cllr John Wilsher, who has worked closely with Rock Park Sk8 Committee on the project says: "We are delighted that members of the Sk8 Committee have been involved in the project from the very start."