Published Date: Jan 31st, 2024
Work is now complete on a new modern concrete skateboard, rollerblade, scooter and BMX facility for young people in St Andrews. The initiative has been made possible through a large capital investment from Fife Council working with the Spider Park St Andrews Community Group and Sportscotland.
The Community Group formed several years ago and have been campaigning and fundraising, working alongside Fife Council to develop their ideas, engaging with their local community on the new designs and enlisting their help with fundraising.
The group were successful in securing funding for the skatepark from various sources including sportscotland, Fife Environment Trust, St Andrews Community Trust and the Open Legacy Fund. Since then, they have continued to fundraise and have now achieved their founding aim of a purpose-built inclusive skate park facility for the community.
Around £260K in total has been spent on transforming the area at Pipeland Road into a state-of-the-art, fully floodlit resource that will benefit both experienced skaters and those new to the sport.
Speaking on behalf of the community group, Chairperson Jackie Flett and Treasurer Adrian Wood said: “We hope the group has shown just what you can achieve if you get out and take an active role in making the changes you want to see. The group’s dedication and achievements are also a great example of how young people can make a positive difference to their community. The genesis of the idea came from them and it is fantastic to see this project delivered and in constant use”.
Vice-Convener for North East Fife Area Committee, Cllr. Jane Ann Liston, said "The young people of St Andrews and the community as a whole should be very proud of their enthusiasm and hard work. I’m sure they must be delighted that the skate park is finally finished. I’m told that it's been very busy ever since the last piece of concrete was dry.”
Andrew Kelly, sportscotland, said: "We were delighted to provide National Lottery investment and advice and guidance to deliver this brilliant new facility here in St Andrews. The young people should be very proud of their hard work in making this project a reality. Hopefully it will encourage more people of all ages and abilities to come and try skating, boarding and bmxing and provide outdoor recreation opportunities in the local area for many generations to come."
PICTURE CAPTION: (L to R: Cllr Liston, Andrew Kelly, sportscotland, Treasurer Adrian Wood, and Chairperson Jackie Flett with some of the young people involved in the project.)