Skate park to become a reality with new temporary facility in Clady hall

THE quest to have a new skate park established in the area took a further step towards reality when it was announced that a temporary indoor structure would be erected for skaters in the coming weeks.

The drive to have a skate park is the brainchild of Sion Mills man Liam Cannon, a keen skateboarding fan who has long campaigned for a local facility.

Last year, Liam set up the Strabane District Skate Association (SDSA) with the aim of sourcing an area for a skate park within the Strabane and the wider council area. Liam was fortunate to receive backing from the council who, after much deliberation, have been able to make his dream a reality.

Speaking this week, Liam couldn’t be happier with the outcome. He remarked, “I was thrilled to receive word in the last couple of weeks that an indoor skate park will be a reality. The park will be set up in a hall in Clady with temporary ramps that can be easily erected and taken down so that the hall can continue to be used for other purposes. It’s smaller than the committee would have hoped for, but everything needs to start somewhere and I’m positive this will be the beginning of something which will be big for the community. We have professionally built ramps, a lesson plan in place for first timers and all the necessary equipment needed for people to enjoy a skate safely.”

Liam believes that this is something which the community has been crying out for, as evidenced with the vast support the concept has received thus far. Liam further explained there are also mental health benefits to be had, as a skate park fosters interaction between people and gives young people an outlet.

“People are aware of what we’re trying to do and it’s heartening that they’ve gotten on board with it. I have a daughter who is also into skateboarding, and we must go to Derry if she wants to go for a skate. Not everyone who enjoys skateboarding drives, so getting to where a park is can be difficult. This development now allows not just my daughter, but anyone from Strabane interested in skateboarding young or old to be able to enjoy their pastime closer to home.”

At present, the skate facility will only be available on a temporary basis, a few times a month, and it is hoped that everything will be in place by next month.