Site secured for Strabane skate park

A skate park for Strabane took another step closer to reality recently after a site to house the facility was secured.

A paper was brought to council’s Environment and Regeneration Committee last week to secure the site and endorse associated plans at Beechmount Avenue Play Park, following consultations with residents in the area who were given the opportunity to raise any concerns.

The paper now proposes that the skate park moves onto the design stage. The idea of a skate park in Strabane was brought to the fore by Strabane man, Liam Cannon, an avid skater, and the lead driver of Strabane Urban Sports (SUS).

Liam spoke this week of his pride that his dream is now closer to reality.

“It’s nice to see Strabane getting the recognition from across the world. There has been professional athletes in urban sports that have sent us messages from Australia and California, so it’s nice to get that.

“I just feel Strabane, in recent years, has suffered from issues around mental health, and skating is something that can address the issues that we are suffering from in this town.

“It makes me feel reassured in the council that they agree with that. It’s also really exciting for all the kids.”

Asked what it will mean for the wider community, Liam offered, “Skating is also a spectator sport; once kids see others performing, it nurtures belief in themselves.

“Most don’t know what is available to them through skating, so it’s a life-line the area sorely needs.”

He added, “A vibrant urban sports park and refurbished play area will breathe new life into the community, as has been shown in Sion Mills, and in the Head of the Town area. In the skating community we look after our skaters; potential skaters are the environment in which we thrive.”

Local councillors, Brian Harte and Raymond Barr, seconded the motion at the committee.

Cllr Harte said, “I think it’s a very valuable asset to have in Strabane so I would, wholeheartedly, endorse the proposals for the skateboard park in Beechmount Avenue, under the proviso that the residents’ concerns be taken on board.”

Cllr Raymond Barr added, “This is an issue that has been dragging on for quite a while now…

“I think at last we’re in a situation where it could have a positive outcome.”