Author: simon
Ventnor Skate Park Closure: John Cattle Interview: Podcast
Wednesday, 16th April, 2008 at 2:56 pm, Isle of Wight
We went down to the Ventnor skate park yesterday and chatted to a few people about what they were doing there, what they liked about it and if they would like it to stay open.
This was all prompted by the disturbing news the IW Council is threatening to demolish the often-used skate park imminently.
It’s important to remember that this stake park is a community effort. It’s work in progress - one that has taken much sweat to build.
Anyone who has walked past the skate park in the Summer knows that it’s a popular destination, where young and old are welcome. Clearly it’s not used much in the Winter, as skating in the Winter in wet conditions is darn dangerous.
First interview - John Cattle
For those who don’t know, John Cattle is a Island-based sponsored skateboarder and film maker. He’s not only skated around the world, but has made and sold films worldwide about skaters. Not only that, but he’s been selected as one of the few Ambassadors for the Isle of Wight.
He’s been involved with last years refurbishment of the skate park and helped to make a success of the StreetStyle festival last summer that saw 2-300 people attend.
John covers how the Ventnor Skate park is just beginning to grow and if allowed to continue to grow could build into a unique park in the UK.
People often complain about seeing skating on the street, so how can there be any sense in closing an area where they can continue to skate, without bothering people? As John says, “there’s a definite call for it.”
Being down there reminded us quite why the Ventnor skate park is so special - being right next to the sea gives it what must be one of the best skating locations in the UK.
It’s well worth a listen
More interviews including one with a five year old skater coming soon.
If you have a comment to make about the future of the Ventnor Skate Park, please add your comment to the post Ventnor Skate Park To Be Closed? Updated
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April 16th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
I find this decision quite perverse, a word one often uses to describe the actions of the IOW Council, but now also those who find it within their compass to give succour to the organisers of the Jazz Festival, e.g. the Winter Gardens Committee, Town Council and others.
It’s on a par with the small minded idiots who want the Wight Air Festival scrapped and have already done for the motor-cross at Arreton.
Added to the autocratic decisions regarding the education “debate” (what debate), I despair for the future of young people on the island.
April 17th, 2008 at 9:46 am
Count us in John, lets build the worlds first sculptural skate park!!…..have you looked at Awards for All funding? Up to 10K available for projects like this,the scheme is currently under subsciribed so now is a good time. Since we’ve been successful at getting AFA funding in the past, we can give you a few tips on writting a bid if you like? I recommend AFA to anyone stuggling to get a community project off the ground, it’s a relativley simple form to fill out and you’ll get a reply within 8 weeks…..got to be worth a try!!
Check it out here http://www.awardsforall.org.uk/england/whatwewillfund.html
Nige Eccleston George.
April 17th, 2008 at 11:49 am
[...] hour that we were at the ‘never used’ skate park in Ventnor - yes, that’s three sets of people we spoke to in that short time … and [...]