Skateboarding Enthusiasts Campaign for Dedicated Skate Area in Lincoln
Skateboarding enthusiasts in the city of Lincoln have issued a plea to the council to provide them with a devoted area for skateboarding. Currently, members of the University of Lincoln Skate Society have to resort to using the tunnel under Brayford Bridge near Cygnet Wharf, since the nearest skate park is located four miles away in North Hykeham.
Members of the skateboarding society are increasingly frustrated with the lack of adequate facilities available beyond the university campus. They argue that the development of a dedicated skateboarding area would not only cater to their needs, but also help to alleviate concerns from residents about skateboarding in public streets.
"There are quite a lot of people in Lincoln that do skate. We usually just skate on campus, but because it’s so flat we mainly just do what we call ‘flat-ground skating’.", said Joe Jennings, Former President of the University of Lincoln Skate Society.
The lack of dedicated areas for skateboarding is causing some skaters to improvise, utilising architectural features and everyday objects as makeshift equipment.
"I would say the skate community is quite creative in the way they use architecture and everyday things as equipment. Some people get agitated that we skate in the streets, in that case, build us somewhere we can skate.", added Themis Bacon, another member of the skateboarding community.
A Plea for Better Facilities
The need for proper skateboarding facilities is widely felt in the community, not only for convenience but to ensure that skateboarding activities do not interfere with the public or cause damage to the environment.
"Lincoln is seriously lacking skateboarding facilities. Right now, we’re pretty much limited to the university campus, but even there, we have to be super careful of the environment and other people.", Miller Skimin, an active skateboarder commented.
Many skateboarders are stepping forward to volunteer their help in constructing these necessary facilities. The space under Pelham Bridge is just one of many possible areas where a simple, affordable skate park could be installed.
Past Challenges and Future Possibilities
Concerns do remain from past efforts to build a skate park in the city. Plans to construct one in West End’s Hobblers Hole in 2014 had to be withdrawn due to noise disturbances and potential wildlife impact. Yet, the city of Lincoln council hasn't dismissed the idea of having a skate park somewhere with better population accessibility.
Councilors, while cautious, are open to considering new locations for a skate park that would have a minimal impact on the surroundings and the local community.