Plans for a modern and inclusive all wheels park at Oxley Park in Stocksbridge are being unveiled this month as part of the Town Deal investment in the area.
A planning application will be submitted in the new year to replace the current skatepark at Oxley Park and replace it with the new all wheels facility which will cater for a wider range of ages and abilities.
The new all wheels park will be suitable for bikes and scooters as well as for skateboarding, WCMX and roller boots. There will be smaller features for novice riders as well as more challenging areas for experienced riders.
The current skatepark’s large structures will be replaced with more sustainable construction methods using concrete coloured in grey and green, and the footprint has been reduced by more than half. It has also been designed to be low profile and the area will be landscaped with trees and wildflowers, improving the visual impact for residents as well as enhancing biodiversity.
Sheffield City Council’s Parks and Countryside team has worked closely with all wheels park users as well as the contractors Canvas Spaces to create a facility which fits in with the area and caters for all skill levels.
If the planning application is approved, construction could start in the spring ready for a summer 2024 completion and opening. The plans are part of the £690,000 investment at Oxley Park through the Stocksbridge Town Deal.
The Oxley Park Improvement Project is already delivering landscaping and footpath improvements in the area as well as new Electric Vehicle chargers in the car park at the Stocksbridge Community Leisure Centre.
A new landscaped area is also being created to the rear of the Leisure Centre with better links to the wider park. And there are access improvements for different parts of the park, including the proposed new all wheels areas.
Cllr Julie Grocutt, Town Deal Board Champion for the Oxley Park Improvement Project, said: “The project team has listened to local feedback and worked with the designers to develop a new all wheels park which is going to look fantastic. This will be a brand new facility which can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
“It’s great to see the progress being made on the footpath and landscaping works across the park and we are looking forward to the next phase in the project.”
The Town Deal Accelerated Funding Programme delivered an earlier project in the park to create a new play area which opened in August 2021.
This latest phase of investment is part of the Town Deal investment, and includes some local fundraising by the Friends of Oxley Park for the new all wheels park.
Victoria Faulkner, from the Friends of Oxley Park said: “Friends of Oxley Park feel we are very lucky to have had the funds available to improve our district park and are beyond excited to regenerate the existing skatepark. A successful planning application supports the idea to implement engagement strategies and learning provisions. Our aim is to create a hub where people feel safe to have a go or master their best trick yet, which in turn promotes positive behaviours and attitudes.”
The plans will be on display on December 14th at Stocksbridge Community Leisure Centre from 3pm-7pm, with members of the project team available to answer questions. They will also be uploaded to the Stocksbridge Town Deal website.
The Stocksbridge Town Deal is also delivering a major regeneration of the town centre, including a new Library and Community Hub, placemaking improvements and investment in upgraded shop fronts.
To keep up to date with news about the Stocksbridge Town Deal project visit www.welcometostocksbridge.co.uk