A BMX rider is launching a petition in a bid to whip up support for a second skatepark.
Stevenage resident Jonathan Harrison has been performing tricks at the town’s Bowes Lyon facility for more than 10 years but has said the skatepark has become overcrowded due to the popularity of skateboards, BMXs and scooters.
The 21-year-old, who came up with the idea alongside fellow Stevenage BMX rider Marc Hulton, will be walking around Stevenage town centre from 11am tomorrow (Saturday) with the petition in a bid to get signatures supporting the cause.
“Because I’m a BMX-er myself my aim is to get Stevenage a lottery-funded skatepark,” said Jonathan, who lives in Archer Road.
“The skatepark is always overcrowded when summer comes as it’s just not big enough. If we had a new skatepark in the town it would help the younger generation in Stevenage to keep active and fit, and keep kids off the street.”
Jonathan has visited other skateparks across the country and put together some designs but said without support from the community he would not be able to apply for funding.
Ian Marchant, who is based at Bowes Lyon as the youth work team leader for Stevenage Youth Connnexions, welcomed the idea and said he would try to create a forum for discussion.
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