| NEWS | |  | | | COMPETITIONS | | Confronting the clampers
Reporter Alex Hayes went to a car compound near Iver to collect a car which had been towed away by a clamping company.
Click here for the audio slideshow
|
|
|
|
1970's skate park 'irreplaceable'
A SKATEPARK due to be built over by the council is irreplaceable according to a professional BMX rider.
James Hitchcox, 30, is the head of a Users Association for Byron Skatepark, off Christchurch Avenue, and is campaigning to save what he says is one of the best facilities for skaters and BMX riders in the country.
He said: "I have to be optimistic about saving it because it is what I have ridden for so many years.
"I was not that interested in school but I used to go down to the skatepark and one day I got noticed. That skatepark is what started my career.
"There is so much history and culture in the skate and BMX world. I have had riders come from Australia and America and stay at my house just so they can ride in a 1970s park."
The park was hand-crafted by a builder in 1976 and has attracted people from across the country ever since.
It is being demolished to make way for a new leisure centre and will be replaced by a new £300,000 facility in the centre of the park.
Councillor Paul Osborn, portfolio holder for strategy and business support, said: "The skate park has to move - there is no question about that. The whole project depends on it.
"I do not think it is fair to say that we cannot have a brand new leisure centre just because of this skate park."
The Harrow Times website has been inundated with calls to save the facility since the decision was made but Councillor Anjana Patel, portfolio holder for community and cultural services, has defended the plans.
She said: "We are not closing it, the new park will be a better one. This park is very old and the new one will be designed by the young people who use it.
"The youngsters will get what they want."
The council held a meeting on Tuesday night at Byron Park Leisure Centre to hear suggestions from users about what the new park should be like.
James has been riding since he was 12 and has used the skatepark for the past ten years.
He said: "If you ride in the park it is not perfect but that is what we like about it. Modern skate parks are made off site and they have no querkiness or originality.
"You cannot find someone to remake it. That park is a one off thing."
Do you have fond memories of the skatepark? Leave your comments below...
5:36pm Tuesday 20th November 2007
Print 
Email this 
CommentPosted by: Cllr. Paul Osborn, Harrow on 6:36pm Tue 20 Nov 07
I would add we intend to work with the users of the skatepark to ensure we get a replacement they will enjoy for years to come, that includes ensuring it is made by a firm with expertise in making top quality skateparks.
I would add we intend to work with the users of the skatepark to ensure we get a replacement they will enjoy for years to come, that includes ensuring it is made by a firm with expertise in making top quality skateparks.
Posted by: Robin Fenlon, London on 9:31pm Tue 20 Nov 07
Harrow Skatepark is an icon of it's times. The new park which will be built in it's place will lose everything that the old one had.
It's like replacing a classic car with a new one, it's just not the same.
If it wasn't for that skatepark then I would never have been to Harrow.
Harrow Skatepark is an icon of it's times. The new park which will be built in it's place will lose everything that the old one had.
It's like replacing a classic car with a new one, it's just not the same.
If it wasn't for that skatepark then I would never have been to Harrow.
Posted by: Ken Hada, Southern California on 9:37pm Tue 20 Nov 07
I used to skate at a skatepark 30 years ago called Skatopia. It was located in Buena park California and one one of the first parks to be built. I have since create a website to pay tribute to the park and it's riders. We have a yearly reunion of riders and i am always surprised to see how many riders show up 30+ years later. i hope you get to keep your park.
I used to skate at a skatepark 30 years ago called Skatopia. It was located in Buena park California and one one of the first parks to be built. I have since create a website to pay tribute to the park and it's riders. We have a yearly reunion of riders and i am always surprised to see how many riders show up 30+ years later. i hope you get to keep your park.
Posted by: Miki Vuckovich, San Diego, California, USA on 7:09am Wed 21 Nov 07
I visited Harrow Skatepark in 1992. It was rare at the time to have a city sponsor a skatepark, and skateboarding was not nearly as popular as it is now. Some amazing skaters came out of the U.K. from that era. Some from Harrow itself, but all certainly frequent visitors.
While there, I recalled all the magazine covers and photos I'd seen from the park--the who's who of skateboarding visited Harrow.
There was nothing like it. There still isn't. It's from an era that has come and gone, but modern skateboarders have adapted to and re-interpreted the curves designed in the 1970s for a very different style of skating. It's beautiful to see that.
Harrow's fate may be sealed, but it is a true landmark that ought to be preserved. It's a reminder to the world that the region, the country has been involved in the development of this influential global culture, and has produced some of the best skaters ever.
A new skatepark may serve the new skaters well, assuming adequate care and resources are invested in it. But it will never be "Harrow." I and millions of skateboarders around the world would never know the name Harrow if not for that landmark of warped concrete. It's made you famous for generations of global skaters. I only wish the skaters and citizens of Harrow can see fit to create another landmark skate facility. One I will see in skate magazines and videos, and be inspired to visit.
-Miki Vuckovich
I visited Harrow Skatepark in 1992. It was rare at the time to have a city sponsor a skatepark, and skateboarding was not nearly as popular as it is now. Some amazing skaters came out of the U.K. from that era. Some from Harrow itself, but all certainly frequent visitors.
While there, I recalled all the magazine covers and photos I'd seen from the park--the who's who of skateboarding visited Harrow.
There was nothing like it. There still isn't. It's from an era that has come and gone, but modern skateboarders have adapted to and re-interpreted the curves designed in the 1970s for a very different style of skating. It's beautiful to see that.
Harrow's fate may be sealed, but it is a true landmark that ought to be preserved. It's a reminder to the world that the region, the country has been involved in the development of this influential global culture, and has produced some of the best skaters ever.
A new skatepark may serve the new skaters well, assuming adequate care and resources are invested in it. But it will never be "Harrow." I and millions of skateboarders around the world would never know the name Harrow if not for that landmark of warped concrete. It's made you famous for generations of global skaters. I only wish the skaters and citizens of Harrow can see fit to create another landmark skate facility. One I will see in skate magazines and videos, and be inspired to visit.
-Miki Vuckovich
Posted by: John Dale, Tucson, Arizona USA on 9:35am Wed 21 Nov 07
These sites represent the history of our sport. They should be preserved with the same vigilance and dignity as a religious building, since for some the activity is a religious, enlightening experience.
The 1970's represents the genesis of the sport we hold so dear. Destroying this site is akin to bulldozing Das Ulmer Münster to make way for a new, more stylish church that more adequately meets the religious needs of modern youth.
At what point is it ok to trod upon the wishes and needs of older riders?
PLEASE SAVE AND DOCUMENT THIS HOLY SITE.
Sincerely,
John Dale
RedEndo BMX
Tucson, Arizona USA
These sites represent the history of our sport. They should be preserved with the same vigilance and dignity as a religious building, since for some the activity is a religious, enlightening experience.
The 1970's represents the genesis of the sport we hold so dear. Destroying this site is akin to bulldozing Das Ulmer Münster to make way for a new, more stylish church that more adequately meets the religious needs of modern youth.
At what point is it ok to trod upon the wishes and needs of older riders?
PLEASE SAVE AND DOCUMENT THIS HOLY SITE.
Sincerely,
John Dale
RedEndo BMX
Tucson, Arizona USA
Posted by: nick sable, central coast,nsw australia on 12:25pm Wed 21 Nov 07
the council really don't get it do they?
harrow skatepark is just not for kids!.
harrow skatepark has inspired more skaters /riders to improve their skills over the years than you want to imagine.
it is world famous,you my friends at harrow council are going to make a world class mistake by doing away with the old park,LISTEN TO THE SKATERS & RIDERS!
spend the money on improving it, not just replacing it with some metal tinfoil ramp park.
sounds like another 'pie in the sky' idea from designers that have never set foot on a skateboard or bike in their lifes....
[SHAKES HEAD IN DISGUST]...
the council really don't get it do they?
harrow skatepark is just not for kids!.
harrow skatepark has inspired more skaters /riders to improve their skills over the years than you want to imagine.
it is world famous,you my friends at harrow council are going to make a world class mistake by doing away with the old park,LISTEN TO THE SKATERS & RIDERS!
spend the money on improving it, not just replacing it with some metal tinfoil ramp park.
sounds like another 'pie in the sky' idea from designers that have never set foot on a skateboard or bike in their lifes....
...
Posted by: James White, London on 12:28pm Wed 21 Nov 07
To loose Harrow skatepark would be like amputation an arm of British Skateboard & BMX history, this SIMPLY CAN NOT HAPPEN!
This park has brought so much enjoyment to so many prople world wide, it's infamous as one of the worlds most tresured parks.
DO NOT DESTROY A PIECE OF HISTORY!
To loose Harrow skatepark would be like amputation an arm of British Skateboard & BMX history, this SIMPLY CAN NOT HAPPEN!
This park has brought so much enjoyment to so many prople world wide, it's infamous as one of the worlds most tresured parks.
DO NOT DESTROY A PIECE OF HISTORY!
Posted by: Andrew, Exeter on 1:37pm Wed 21 Nov 07
This park is indeed important to the development of skateboarding and BMX within the UK. The new park will no doubt be by a "professional" ramp construction firm in lovely wood, metal or plastic but not in the original concrete for which Harrow is loved. Harrow is idosyncratic and as such has created generations of skaters with an ability to ride a large amount of difficult terrrain. Harrow welcomes the new Skateboarder/BMXer with gentle curves and provides the best environment for the progression of individuals to higher more challenging terrain. With the majority of the best free skateparks now bulldozed it remains in the power of Harrow council to preserve a worldwide cultural icon. I am sure the council will no doubt take this into consideration.
As I have previously stated on the other Harrow Times thread, the assumption that most of the users of this facility are under 18 is highly offensive as it sneers at the accomplishments of individuals like Geoff Rowley and other UK professional skateboarders making serious money from this "childish" sport. I have no doubt the council will consult with users, mainly ones who fit the council viewpoint of what the council has already decided to build in the place of this cultural monument.
Saffron Walden spent serious money getting dreamland in from the U.S. and got the best skatepark in the UK. Will Harrow Council spend money getting dreamland or Airspeed over to build these parks (Bushy park in Dublin is an Airspeed example)? Or more likely a "prefered" contractor; someone who has paid their council "dues". The fact remains that the vast majority of skateparks in the UK are below par but now there is a new wave of concrete structures improving on 70's designs to create new bowls and flowing lines. This contrasts with the ramps and obstacles approach of the last 15 years which proved to be a hindrance to skaters rather than a challenge.
This park is indeed important to the development of skateboarding and BMX within the UK. The new park will no doubt be by a "professional" ramp construction firm in lovely wood, metal or plastic but not in the original concrete for which Harrow is loved. Harrow is idosyncratic and as such has created generations of skaters with an ability to ride a large amount of difficult terrrain. Harrow welcomes the new Skateboarder/BMXer with gentle curves and provides the best environment for the progression of individuals to higher more challenging terrain. With the majority of the best free skateparks now bulldozed it remains in the power of Harrow council to preserve a worldwide cultural icon. I am sure the council will no doubt take this into consideration.
As I have previously stated on the other Harrow Times thread, the assumption that most of the users of this facility are under 18 is highly offensive as it sneers at the accomplishments of individuals like Geoff Rowley and other UK professional skateboarders making serious money from this "childish" sport. I have no doubt the council will consult with users, mainly ones who fit the council viewpoint of what the council has already decided to build in the place of this cultural monument.
Saffron Walden spent serious money getting dreamland in from the U.S. and got the best skatepark in the UK. Will Harrow Council spend money getting dreamland or Airspeed over to build these parks (Bushy park in Dublin is an Airspeed example)? Or more likely a "prefered" contractor; someone who has paid their council "dues". The fact remains that the vast majority of skateparks in the UK are below par but now there is a new wave of concrete structures improving on 70's designs to create new bowls and flowing lines. This contrasts with the ramps and obstacles approach of the last 15 years which proved to be a hindrance to skaters rather than a challenge.
Posted by: Dave, West London on 4:28pm Wed 21 Nov 07
[italic]She said: "We are not closing it, the new park will be a better one. This park is very old and the new one will be designed by the young people who use it.
"The youngsters will get what they want."[/italic]
This makes me SO MAD!
How many times do we have to say this WE ARE NOT ALL YOUNGSTERS!
I have been skating at Harrow since 1979 and tomorrow I will be 43 years old, I have grown up with Harrow skatepark and I love it and so do many others.
So much is said about a better new park but I'm afraid I don't trust you to do that.
I believe you will tear it down and then at best replace it with a cheap and nasty facility built by a contractor who nothing about Skateboarding.
This quote speaks volumes... [italic]"Councillor Paul Osborn, portfolio holder for strategy and business support, said: "The skate park has to move - there is no question about that. The whole project depends on it."[/italic]
In other words we don't give two hoots about what the users think and we are gonna flatten it anyway regardless.
Harrow is a historic 70's skatepark, one of the few left and it shouldn't be destroyed on a whim to be replaced something of lesser quality.
She said: "We are not closing it, the new park will be a better one. This park is very old and the new one will be designed by the young people who use it.
"The youngsters will get what they want."
This makes me SO MAD!
How many times do we have to say this WE ARE NOT ALL YOUNGSTERS!
I have been skating at Harrow since 1979 and tomorrow I will be 43 years old, I have grown up with Harrow skatepark and I love it and so do many others.
So much is said about a better new park but I'm afraid I don't trust you to do that.
I believe you will tear it down and then at best replace it with a cheap and nasty facility built by a contractor who nothing about Skateboarding.
This quote speaks volumes...
"Councillor Paul Osborn, portfolio holder for strategy and business support, said: "The skate park has to move - there is no question about that. The whole project depends on it."
In other words we don't give two hoots about what the users think and we are gonna flatten it anyway regardless.
Harrow is a historic 70's skatepark, one of the few left and it shouldn't be destroyed on a whim to be replaced something of lesser quality.
Posted by: jamie bestwill, ldn on 10:59pm Wed 21 Nov 07
Hope you're looking forward to your new metal prefab skatepark. shame.
Hope you're looking forward to your new metal prefab skatepark. shame.
Posted by: Stevey, Northolt on 11:32pm Wed 21 Nov 07
"The youngsters will get what they want."
Harrow council have a history of patronising the young people of the borough. A terrible youth provision has led to street crime and a reluctance for any sane person to use the bus station after dark. Its a no go area.
"The youngsters will get what they want."
Harrow council have a history of patronising the young people of the borough. A terrible youth provision has led to street crime and a reluctance for any sane person to use the bus station after dark. Its a no go area.
Posted by: Cllr. Paul Osborn, Harrow on 12:55am Thu 22 Nov 07
"Will Harrow Council spend money getting dreamland or Airspeed over to build these parks (Bushy park in Dublin is an Airspeed example)"
Yes, providing we can do that within the £300K budget. I think we should be going to those who will build a top quality skatepark. One that ALL the current users will like.
and yes I know not all skaters are youngsters.
We will consult anyone who shows an interest.
"Will Harrow Council spend money getting dreamland or Airspeed over to build these parks (Bushy park in Dublin is an Airspeed example)"
Yes, providing we can do that within the £300K budget. I think we should be going to those who will build a top quality skatepark. One that ALL the current users will like.
and yes I know not all skaters are youngsters.
We will consult anyone who shows an interest.
Posted by: boomerdog, central coast nsw ,australia on 8:52am Thu 22 Nov 07
good ,cause we can all phone the above person on
020 7692 7188
to see if he really knows his stuff concerning skateparks..
I THINK WE ALL KNOW THE ANSWER TO THAT ONE ALREADY THOUGH...
good ,cause we can all phone the above person on
020 7692 7188
to see if he really knows his stuff concerning skateparks..
I THINK WE ALL KNOW THE ANSWER TO THAT ONE ALREADY THOUGH...
Posted by: Cllr. Paul Osborn, Harrow on 9:53am Thu 22 Nov 07
I don't claim to know about skateparks, that is why we want the people contributing to these threads to help us.
I don't claim to know about skateparks, that is why we want the people contributing to these threads to help us.
Posted by: boomerdog, central coast nsw australia on 10:43am Thu 22 Nov 07
bottom line mate,the deed is done with the developers,[& you know it],
do yourself a favour & stop patronising us.
we can all read between the lines ....
bottom line mate,the deed is done with the developers,,
do yourself a favour & stop patronising us.
we can all read between the lines ....
Posted by: George French, Sheffield on 12:15pm Thu 22 Nov 07
It is dissapointing that councils still act in this kind of unilatteral fashion. Community consultation was clearly not taken seriously and to suggest that there is no other alternative or that it is decided and nolonger open to discussion is ludicrous and un-democratic.
I have regularly visited Harrow skatepark over the last 20 years and to see how it has risen again with virtually no official support is amazing. Now the council think that they can buldoze one of the last remaining parks in this country from that era and replace it with a low budget modern replacement.
The land the skatepark occupies is probably worth several million quid and the council cannot see past this.
The skatepark is one of Harrow's few noteworthy features, and the council will squander this simply because they are ignorant.
It is dissapointing that councils still act in this kind of unilatteral fashion. Community consultation was clearly not taken seriously and to suggest that there is no other alternative or that it is decided and nolonger open to discussion is ludicrous and un-democratic.
I have regularly visited Harrow skatepark over the last 20 years and to see how it has risen again with virtually no official support is amazing. Now the council think that they can buldoze one of the last remaining parks in this country from that era and replace it with a low budget modern replacement.
The land the skatepark occupies is probably worth several million quid and the council cannot see past this.
The skatepark is one of Harrow's few noteworthy features, and the council will squander this simply because they are ignorant.
Posted by: Cllr. Paul Osborn, Harrow on 12:51pm Thu 22 Nov 07
All we have decided is that we need to move the current skatepark as part of a large project to improve the Leisure Centre and other facilities in Harrow, and we have allocated £300,000 to build a replacement. In talking to The Saffron Walden Skate Group it seems they built their park for £300,000 and the key is to get an experienced US firm like Dreamland. I am very keen we do this.
All we have decided is that we need to move the current skatepark as part of a large project to improve the Leisure Centre and other facilities in Harrow, and we have allocated £300,000 to build a replacement. In talking to The Saffron Walden Skate Group it seems they built their park for £300,000 and the key is to get an experienced US firm like Dreamland. I am very keen we do this.
Posted by: harrow pool, carving the **** on 1:41pm Fri 23 Nov 07
we are VERY keen for the council to listen to reason on the old park,but as normal council know best,the people of the borough don't a stand a flying shag in getting heard,because it's all about the price of the land,complete faith from the people is lost on harrow council on this matter as we the people are viewed as small potatoes in the bigger picture.
you just can't see that the old park is loved so much by people from all around the world,the place is unique ,capitalise on that,or is that to simple for harrow council to see?????...
we are VERY keen for the council to listen to reason on the old park,but as normal council know best,the people of the borough don't a stand a flying shag in getting heard,because it's all about the price of the land,complete faith from the people is lost on harrow council on this matter as we the people are viewed as small potatoes in the bigger picture.
you just can't see that the old park is loved so much by people from all around the world,the place is unique ,capitalise on that,or is that to simple for harrow council to see?????...
Posted by: Peter Frade, Norfolk on 1:25pm Sat 24 Nov 07
[quote][bold]Cllr. Paul Osborn[/bold] wrote:
All we have decided is that we need to move the current skatepark as part of a large project to improve the Leisure Centre and other facilities in Harrow, and we have allocated £300,000 to build a replacement. In talking to The Saffron Walden Skate Group it seems they built their park for £300,000 and the key is to get an experienced US firm like Dreamland. I am very keen we do this.[/quote] Like Dave from West London, I have been skating Harrow since 1979, We shall see If The council will keep their promises. In the early 80's the council tried their hardest to prevent us running the facility as a club, so many hurdles to jump. Seems like they have finally had their way, and the skatepark is to be no more! Cllr. Paul Osborn should be flogged in public, if the park is not built by some one with the Skills of Dreamland, no matter what the cost!
Cllr. Paul Osborn wrote:
All we have decided is that we need to move the current skatepark as part of a large project to improve the Leisure Centre and other facilities in Harrow, and we have allocated £300,000 to build a replacement. In talking to The Saffron Walden Skate Group it seems they built their park for £300,000 and the key is to get an experienced US firm like Dreamland. I am very keen we do this.
Like Dave from West London, I have been skating Harrow since 1979, We shall see If The council will keep their promises. In the early 80's the council tried their hardest to prevent us running the facility as a club, so many hurdles to jump. Seems like they have finally had their way, and the skatepark is to be no more! Cllr. Paul Osborn should be flogged in public, if the park is not built by some one with the Skills of Dreamland, no matter what the cost!
Posted by: Robert Adler, HArrow on 6:38pm Sat 24 Nov 07
Like James Hitchcox, I've been rollerskating Harrow Skate Park for over 25 years and it would be a travisty to bull doze it. It's a one off. It's one of only a handfull of 1970's skateparks left. Save our history, save our childhood, Save Harrow Skate Park !
Like James Hitchcox, I've been rollerskating Harrow Skate Park for over 25 years and it would be a travisty to bull doze it. It's a one off. It's one of only a handfull of 1970's skateparks left. Save our history, save our childhood, Save Harrow Skate Park !
Posted by: ian, harrow on 7:04pm Sat 24 Nov 07
I would like to urge the council not to redevelop the site of Harrow skatepark. This facility is of great importance to many of the young and not so young people of Harrow. It is one of the last remaining 70's skateparks in the world and it would be a great shame for this to disappear.People travel from far and wide to skate and ride at Harrow skatepark. The money available for this redevelopment could be spent on upgrading the current facilities. Please never get rid of this skatepark. If the council was to build a new skatepark it might end up like many other modern skateparks around the country. It is good for Harrow to have this world-renowned attraction.
I would like to urge the council not to redevelop the site of Harrow skatepark. This facility is of great importance to many of the young and not so young people of Harrow. It is one of the last remaining 70's skateparks in the world and it would be a great shame for this to disappear.People travel from far and wide to skate and ride at Harrow skatepark. The money available for this redevelopment could be spent on upgrading the current facilities. Please never get rid of this skatepark. If the council was to build a new skatepark it might end up like many other modern skateparks around the country. It is good for Harrow to have this world-renowned attraction.
Posted by: KJ Goren (Local), Harrow on 11:13pm Sat 24 Nov 07
[quote][bold]Cllr. Paul Osborn[/bold] wrote:
\"Will Harrow Council spend money getting dreamland or Airspeed over to build these parks (Bushy park in Dublin is an Airspeed example)\"
Yes, providing we can do that within the £300K budget. I think we should be going to those who will build a top quality skatepark. One that ALL the current users will like.
and yes I know not all skaters are youngsters.
We will consult anyone who shows an interest.
[/quote] £300k...what????You'
re funny dude fuuuunny!!!Let me tell you that a good skatepark will cost as much as £1 million...eg Camden Cantelowes (£1.5 million).
Cllr. Paul Osborn wrote:
\"Will Harrow Council spend money getting dreamland or Airspeed over to build these parks (Bushy park in Dublin is an Airspeed example)\"
Yes, providing we can do that within the £300K budget. I think we should be going to those who will build a top quality skatepark. One that ALL the current users will like.
and yes I know not all skaters are youngsters.
We will consult anyone who shows an interest.
£300k...what????You'
re funny dude fuuuunny!!!Let me tell you that a good skatepark will cost as much as £1 million...eg Camden Cantelowes (£1.5 million).
Posted by: Paul H, London on 10:12pm Sun 25 Nov 07
I agree 300k is to small a figure. Saffron Walden is a smaller park than Harrow.
If the council are serious about maintaining leisure facilities they should replace like with like. You could not build the Harrow skatepark for 300k. Any new park should be to the same specification that means the same size.
I suggest that their consultation is flawed as the decision to move the skatepark and the budget have already been decided. Really users should have been consulted much earlier.
I agree 300k is to small a figure. Saffron Walden is a smaller park than Harrow.
If the council are serious about maintaining leisure facilities they should replace like with like. You could not build the Harrow skatepark for 300k. Any new park should be to the same specification that means the same size.
I suggest that their consultation is flawed as the decision to move the skatepark and the budget have already been decided. Really users should have been consulted much earlier.
Posted by: g on 11:05pm Sun 25 Nov 07
I'm gutted! Harrow has one of the most unique skateparks in the world and the council don't seem to care. Well it looks as though this great skatepark is to become a thing of the past. The bastards!!
I'm gutted! Harrow has one of the most unique skateparks in the world and the council don't seem to care. Well it looks as though this great skatepark is to become a thing of the past. The bastards!!
Posted by: Alex Reeve, harrow on 9:12am Tue 27 Nov 07
[bold]i think it is wrong that we werent told earlier on when these leisure centre designs were being drawn up and it would effect our park. The council knew there would be resistance as there has been in the past so is trying to bypass the locals and other riders in making the decisions that count. Harrow is a unique park as many of the others have said, no park built now will ever compare to it. Cllr. Paul Osborn couldnt care less about the new park, all that interests him is the leisure centre.[/bold]
i think it is wrong that we werent told earlier on when these leisure centre designs were being drawn up and it would effect our park. The council knew there would be resistance as there has been in the past so is trying to bypass the locals and other riders in making the decisions that count. Harrow is a unique park as many of the others have said, no park built now will ever compare to it. Cllr. Paul Osborn couldnt care less about the new park, all that interests him is the leisure centre. Posted by: boomerdog, harrow performance bowl on 12:05pm Tue 27 Nov 07
like i said previous,the people of the borough opinion's don't count ,let alone everyone else who uses the park.
decisions were made behind closed doors in council,even before this proposed plan was made public .
what the people actually want is irrelevent to harrow council,it's the ratepayers that pay your poxy wages !
capitalise on what you have,for what you are about to do is a traversty & a disgrace.
look up the meaning of ignorant ,it says HARROW COUNCIL.
like i said previous,the people of the borough opinion's don't count ,let alone everyone else who uses the park.
decisions were made behind closed doors in council,even before this proposed plan was made public .
what the people actually want is irrelevent to harrow council,it's the ratepayers that pay your poxy wages !
capitalise on what you have,for what you are about to do is a traversty & a disgrace.
look up the meaning of ignorant ,it says HARROW COUNCIL.
Posted by: chris mw, london on 12:18pm Tue 27 Nov 07
As I understand this sell off of public land is to fund the shortfall in the budget, what happens when the money runs out again? Are the local residents aware of the new estate going up on the site? No one I have spoken to knows anything about this and as residents they are not happy. In this age of recycling would it not be better to improve on what we have as I can see no way this could run to any of the budgets suggested, 300k for the build? Not even close.
As I understand this sell off of public land is to fund the shortfall in the budget, what happens when the money runs out again? Are the local residents aware of the new estate going up on the site? No one I have spoken to knows anything about this and as residents they are not happy. In this age of recycling would it not be better to improve on what we have as I can see no way this could run to any of the budgets suggested, 300k for the build? Not even close.
Posted by: jon H, leeds on 6:53pm Tue 27 Nov 07
Harrow Skateboarding is in the genetic code of skateboarding in this country. It will be a crying shame if it is demolished to make way for what appears to be yet another short sighted local authority vision.
[italic]Councillor Paul Osborn, "The skate park has to move - there is no question about that. The whole project depends on it.[/italic]
Really! The skate park has to move! Why can’t it be incorporated or overhauled in a sympathetic way to retain it’s quirks and foibles. Compliment it with some new concrete and rails. He won’t even skate so how can [bold]his[/bold] opinion be taken seriously!
[italic]Councillor Anjana Patel, "We are not closing it, the new park will be a better one. This park is very old and the new one will be designed by the young people who use it.[/italic]
Awww “it’s very old…..a better one” How does she know it will be a better one? She won’t even skate so how can [bold]her[/bold] opinion be taken seriously!
Come on councillors, what about some `equality, diversity and community cohesive impact’ (some good ol’ local authority gobbledegook there for ya).
Don’t patronise the users with the promise of consultation. You know full well they’ll never be heard above the din of the local developer and their short term aims.
So Councillors. What are your short term aims? A picture in the local rag. A few extra votes, a couple of years listening to your own voice in the chamber and then disappear. You talk of culture ‘tis a pity you don’t practice retaining it.
The only real certainty is the skaters loose a piece of their history.
Harrow Skateboarding is in the genetic code of skateboarding in this country. It will be a crying shame if it is demolished to make way for what appears to be yet another short sighted local authority vision.
Councillor Paul Osborn, "The skate park has to move - there is no question about that. The whole project depends on it.
Really! The skate park has to move! Why can’t it be incorporated or overhauled in a sympathetic way to retain it’s quirks and foibles. Compliment it with some new concrete and rails. He won’t even skate so how can
his opinion be taken seriously!
Councillor Anjana Patel, "We are not closing it, the new park will be a better one. This park is very old and the new one will be designed by the young people who use it.
Awww “it’s very old…..a better one” How does she know it will be a better one? She won’t even skate so how can
her opinion be taken seriously!
Come on councillors, what about some `equality, diversity and community cohesive impact’ (some good ol’ local authority gobbledegook there for ya).
Don’t patronise the users with the promise of consultation. You know full well they’ll never be heard above the din of the local developer and their short term aims.
So Councillors. What are your short term aims? A picture in the local rag. A few extra votes, a couple of years listening to your own voice in the chamber and then disappear. You talk of culture ‘tis a pity you don’t practice retaining it.
The only real certainty is the skaters loose a piece of their history.
Posted by: NAMS, sTanmore on 9:55pm Tue 27 Nov 07
Yeah, great idea knocking down the skatepark and replacing it with a breeding ground for scumbags! [bold]bold[/bold]
Yeah, great idea knocking down the skatepark and replacing it with a breeding ground for scumbags!
Posted by: philip burgoyne, crystal palace on 8:19am Wed 28 Nov 07
i spent many years travelling to harrow skatepark met great people and had a wonderful time. it is a total classic and cannot be replaced by the modern designs. pls don't do this
i spent many years travelling to harrow skatepark met great people and had a wonderful time. it is a total classic and cannot be replaced by the modern designs. pls don't do this
Posted by: richard auden, bristol on 9:15am Thu 29 Nov 07
Come on councillors, you must have noticed from these comments that 1."the new park" CANNOT "be a better one" for 300k 2.the existing park is a unique, imperfect piece of UK skateboarding and bmx history and couldn't be replicated no matter how much money you throw at it. however far down the line the deal is, if you really "want the people contributing to these threads to help" you, you'll do us a favour and rethink your plans to work around the existing park. it's obvious that you've let things get way too far before consulting the community of users, which reveals plainly what you think of us. actions speak louder than words... so enough of the empty placating words and let's have some actions that actually mean something.
Come on councillors, you must have noticed from these comments that 1."the new park" CANNOT "be a better one" for 300k 2.the existing park is a unique, imperfect piece of UK skateboarding and bmx history and couldn't be replicated no matter how much money you throw at it. however far down the line the deal is, if you really "want the people contributing to these threads to help" you, you'll do us a favour and rethink your plans to work around the existing park. it's obvious that you've let things get way too far before consulting the community of users, which reveals plainly what you think of us. actions speak louder than words... so enough of the empty placating words and let's have some actions that actually mean something.
Posted by: ben n, ruslip on 10:33am Fri 30 Nov 07
harrow council will NOTbuild another skatepark its all empty promisises and besides even if they do spend 300k on a new skatepark
1. 300k is cheap for skatepark.
2. why dont they spend that extra 300k on the new facililty and leave harrow where it is
harrow council will NOTbuild another skatepark its all empty promisises and besides even if they do spend 300k on a new skatepark
1. 300k is cheap for skatepark.
2. why dont they spend that extra 300k on the new facililty and leave harrow where it is
Posted by: keith o leary, Berkshire on 12:19pm Fri 30 Nov 07
First park I ever skated. Gutted to see this go as it can never be replaced. A piece of history - my history.
First park I ever skated. Gutted to see this go as it can never be replaced. A piece of history - my history.
Posted by: saftandboneless, Southsea on 5:44pm Fri 30 Nov 07
Save HARROW SKATEPARK!
Our local park Southsea has also had problems, but due to a campaign by the locals, and a MASSIVE POSITIVE response from the public - skaters, non-skaters, mums, dads, kids EVERYONE! - it looks like with a lot more work it can be saved.
FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT!
Save HARROW SKATEPARK!
Our local park Southsea has also had problems, but due to a campaign by the locals, and a MASSIVE POSITIVE response from the public - skaters, non-skaters, mums, dads, kids EVERYONE! - it looks like with a lot more work it can be saved.
FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT!
Posted by: Pam, Harrow on 9:49pm Sun 2 Dec 07
I grew up around the corner from Harrow skatepark and from the age of eight years old I would go there whenever I could. I felt very lucky to have such a fantastic place to hang out when I was growing up, it gave me and my friends an interest, most definetly kept me out of trouble! It was somewhere to go to even if you was nt particularlly talented, its was very inspirational to see some of the talent that was there and IS THERE! I would like to think that my young children can experience the same benefits of the ORIGINAL skatepark that I did. I really do not know what I would have got up to in all those Summer holidays because i dont remember much else going on. Apart from the outdoor swimming pool, but thats gone too! Why fix something that s not broken. Planners, please RE-PLAN!
I grew up around the corner from Harrow skatepark and from the age of eight years old I would go there whenever I could. I felt very lucky to have such a fantastic place to hang out when I was growing up, it gave me and my friends an interest, most definetly kept me out of trouble! It was somewhere to go to even if you was nt particularlly talented, its was very inspirational to see some of the talent that was there and IS THERE! I would like to think that my young children can experience the same benefits of the ORIGINAL skatepark that I did. I really do not know what I would have got up to in all those Summer holidays because i dont remember much else going on. Apart from the outdoor swimming pool, but thats gone too! Why fix something that s not broken. Planners, please RE-PLAN!
Posted by: stanley, colorado on 11:39pm Mon 3 Dec 07
travelled around the world to skate harrow, its a 1 of a kind classic. please keep it as it is and put a roof over it if you want to improve it.[bold]bold[/bold]
travelled around the world to skate harrow, its a 1 of a kind classic. please keep it as it is and put a roof over it if you want to improve it.
Posted by: Tomsk, Swansea, S Wales on 10:35pm Tue 4 Dec 07
We used to travel on the train up to Harrow back in the early 80's. It was one of the only parks to survive the low point in skating after the craze. It's unique so why can't it be incorporated into the plans of the new leisure centre. It would save on the cost of building a new one.
We used to travel on the train up to Harrow back in the early 80's. It was one of the only parks to survive the low point in skating after the craze. It's unique so why can't it be incorporated into the plans of the new leisure centre. It would save on the cost of building a new one.
Posted by: Mike Joyce, Essex on 4:01pm Fri 7 Dec 07
DON'T DESTROY HARROW. You will be depriving generations of young skaters one of the most orignal and inspiring parks skating or riding has ever seen. Boast all you will, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO REBUILD HARROW. Congratulations on erasing skatings history, where next livi? rom? i see southsea has its own problems
You are a joke
DON'T DESTROY HARROW. You will be depriving generations of young skaters one of the most orignal and inspiring parks skating or riding has ever seen. Boast all you will, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO REBUILD HARROW. Congratulations on erasing skatings history, where next livi? rom? i see southsea has its own problems
You are a joke
Posted by: John, Canons Park on 6:17pm Sun 9 Dec 07
It is definately irreplaceable.
It is definately irreplaceable.
Posted by: farah, Southgate on 6:24pm Sun 9 Dec 07
Who wants to organise a sit-in at the skate park?
Who wants to organise a sit-in at the skate park?
Posted by: John, Harrow on 12:05am Mon 17 Dec 07
I remember months of effort, spending days and nights fighting to save the skate park in the early 80's.
Harrow Council sneaked in, like a contractor demolishing a listed building in the dead
of night. The destruction was horrific and completely underhand.
If my memory serves me well, we lost the Peanut, Snake (both now reinstated) and the
180 bowl which has to have been one of the legendary bowls is history.
Harrow skate park has been at the hub of the UK Skate and BMX scene for decades, aswell as getting worldwide acclaim.
For it to vanish to some new design would be criminal. It doesn't matter what new design is agreed, they will build
what they want and not what is agreed or required.
For decades, Harrow Council have tried to completely erase Harrow Skate Park. Don't them them hoodwink you, £300K will
get you a piece of flatland with a couple of prefab half pipes and possibly a couple of grind's. If you give in to
this replacement white wash, you will regret it forever, along with the hundred's of thousands of visitors that have
enjoyed the Skate Park. Redevelopment does not have to mean losing what is there already. Architect's are
employed to provide solutions within parameters. Leaving the Skate Park alone should be one of those parameters.
Whenever I was at the Skate park, my parent's knew exactly where I was and that I was not getting into trouble.
Oh, apart from Harrow Council phoning the Police to have us removed from a place where we were quite happy and causing
no bother.
I think its about time Harrow Council gave up the relentless persecution of the Skate Park and kids having a good time.
Since the Skate Park was built, each and every decade, has seen a campaign to eradicate or change it.
I remember months of effort, spending days and nights fighting to save the skate park in the early 80's.
Harrow Council sneaked in, like a contractor demolishing a listed building in the dead
of night. The destruction was horrific and completely underhand.
If my memory serves me well, we lost the Peanut, Snake (both now reinstated) and the
180 bowl which has to have been one of the legendary bowls is history.
Harrow skate park has been at the hub of the UK Skate and BMX scene for decades, aswell as getting worldwide acclaim.
For it to vanish to some new design would be criminal. It doesn't matter what new design is agreed, they will build
what they want and not what is agreed or required.
For decades, Harrow Council have tried to completely erase Harrow Skate Park. Don't them them hoodwink you, £300K will
get you a piece of flatland with a couple of prefab half pipes and possibly a couple of grind's. If you give in to
this replacement white wash, you will regret it forever, along with the hundred's of thousands of visitors that have
enjoyed the Skate Park. Redevelopment does not have to mean losing what is there already. Architect's are
employed to provide solutions within parameters. Leaving the Skate Park alone should be one of those parameters.
Whenever I was at the Skate park, my parent's knew exactly where I was and that I was not getting into trouble.
Oh, apart from Harrow Council phoning the Police to have us removed from a place where we were quite happy and causing
no bother.
I think its about time Harrow Council gave up the relentless persecution of the Skate Park and kids having a good time.
Since the Skate Park was built, each and every decade, has seen a campaign to eradicate or change it.
Posted by: Matt Rehm, London on 5:56pm Wed 19 Dec 07
[quote][bold]farah[/bold] wrote:
Who wants to organise a sit-in at the skate park?[/quote] Yeah, I'll be there, if the dreaded day comes. I HOPE NOT!! Sign the petition everyone!!!
http://petitions.pm.
gov.uk/HarrowSkatepa
rk/
farah wrote:
Who wants to organise a sit-in at the skate park?
Yeah, I'll be there, if the dreaded day comes. I HOPE NOT!! Sign the petition everyone!!!
http://petitions.pm.
gov.uk/HarrowSkatepa
rk/
Posted by: susan, Islington on 12:31pm Sat 22 Dec 07
Admired by people worldwide, still used today by locals and visited from afar, historically important , one of only a handful left, in good condition, looked after by a thriving community that spans differant age groups and backgrounds that use it and look out for each other, has led to some reaching top levels in their sport and creting thriving businesses.
Maybe I'm missing something, but Harrow Council certainly have.
Admired by people worldwide, still used today by locals and visited from afar, historically important , one of only a handful left, in good condition, looked after by a thriving community that spans differant age groups and backgrounds that use it and look out for each other, has led to some reaching top levels in their sport and creting thriving businesses.
Maybe I'm missing something, but Harrow Council certainly have.
Posted by: avo dave, watford on 8:50am Mon 31 Dec 07
i have been skating and riding at harrow since the early 80s and now my childeren are following in my footsteps,as are many others.maybe you could spare the effort and visit the park (not on a wet day) and see the community that exsists there.i am happy to take my kids there,people help each other and look out for younger riders.i doubt this happens in other areas
the sad lack of forethought and consultation with the users by the council is sadly endemic of local councils today.
unfortunatly us older skaters are pretty clued up on council "promises" and find the lack of any democratic process very demoralising.
harrow skatepark is world famous (as you can see by the posts),it would be nice to think that any money could and should be spent on improving the exsisting park to world standard.skateboardi
ng is included in the 2012 games should you not be looking at that and making a commitment to the harrow youth.
it is pretty obvious that 300k is not enough to build a good facility,are there not any other sporting grants available,cant the gym be knocked down.
dont forget that todays youngsters are tomorrows voters
i have been skating and riding at harrow since the early 80s and now my childeren are following in my footsteps,as are many others.maybe you could spare the effort and visit the park (not on a wet day) and see the community that exsists there.i am happy to take my kids there,people help each other and look out for younger riders.i doubt this happens in other areas
the sad lack of forethought and consultation with the users by the council is sadly endemic of local councils today.
unfortunatly us older skaters are pretty clued up on council "promises" and find the lack of any democratic process very demoralising.
harrow skatepark is world famous (as you can see by the posts),it would be nice to think that any money could and should be spent on improving the exsisting park to world standard.skateboardi
ng is included in the 2012 games should you not be looking at that and making a commitment to the harrow youth.
it is pretty obvious that 300k is not enough to build a good facility,are there not any other sporting grants available,cant the gym be knocked down.
dont forget that todays youngsters are tomorrows voters
Posted by: Steve Goodenough, London, UK on 8:34pm Thu 10 Jan 08
I lived in Harrow and skated at that park from the day it opened. It was (..IS!!!) such a great park, the 1/2 pipe with 3' vertical was so cool to ride. Typical of the council to design a new centre without actually asking what people actually want. Another bit of history lost... a sad day for all skaters, old and new!
I lived in Harrow and skated at that park from the day it opened. It was (..IS!!!) such a great park, the 1/2 pipe with 3' vertical was so cool to ride. Typical of the council to design a new centre without actually asking what people actually want. Another bit of history lost... a sad day for all skaters, old and new!
Posted by: the blue rose, harrow on 7:15pm Sat 9 Feb 08
why do we have to lose the skatepark for a smaller leisure centre?why can't the council build flats/house on the proposed skatepark site and use the money to upgrade the existing larger leisure centre and add a new building in place of the old outdoor swimming pool? Or are Harrow Council only redeveloping just to move the skatepark from this site,they tried to close it down a couple of years ago. IF this redevelopment was for the publics benefit maybe the council should sell the driving school ect. for homes,leave the existing leisure centre as it is but build a second one in stanmore. Eveybody's happy,wealdstone keeps its two best attraction and stanmore get one two.
why do we have to lose the skatepark for a smaller leisure centre?why can't the council build flats/house on the proposed skatepark site and use the money to upgrade the existing larger leisure centre and add a new building in place of the old outdoor swimming pool? Or are Harrow Council only redeveloping just to move the skatepark from this site,they tried to close it down a couple of years ago. IF this redevelopment was for the publics benefit maybe the council should sell the driving school ect. for homes,leave the existing leisure centre as it is but build a second one in stanmore. Eveybody's happy,wealdstone keeps its two best attraction and stanmore get one two.
What are these links for?
If you liked this article and would like to share it with others on the web who might be searching for good content we've made it easy for you to do it.
At the bottom of all articles, you'll see links to six sites. These sites - commonly called 'social bookmark' or 'social news' sites - have large communities of web users who share and rate interesting, useful and fun things on the web.
Clicking the links will automatically add the address of the story you are reading to one of these sites, letting you share it with others. Each site will ask you to register to share stories. Registration is free and once a member, you can store, recommend and search for stories that interest you.
More on Digg
More on del.icio.us
More on Furl
More on reddit
More on NowPublic/
More on Yahoo!
