THE BENEFITS OF SKATEBOARDING
(and other wheeled sports)
(Note: We are skateboarders, so that is what is referenced here, but everything applies equally to those who ride Scooters, Inlines, Quads or other forms of wheeled sports - we promise the park will be as inclusive as possible).
Skateboarding is unique as a community. It crosses all ethnic and gender boundaries – respect is given from simply riding and progressing, rather than just for exceling. When done safely, it provides a fantastic way of keeping fit & active, along with huge benefits to mental health - it's a fully immersive hobby meaning it's a great stress reliever. It's also madly addictive (as any skater will tell you!)
One of the largest benefits of skateboarding, which is far less discussed, is in the mindset of its participants to persevere. A skateboarder will literally spend hundreds of hours, equating to thousands of attempts trying to land a specific trick, and they expect to fail many times before they eventually succeed. This mindset can be applied to almost anything, from business to general day-to-day living, and is useful throughout life in uncounted ways.
Here's some Key Benefits to Skateboarding and similar sports:
-
It gets people off the couch, and being active.
-
Reduces the amount of time spent 'looking at a screen'
-
Teaches perseverance and co-ordination.
-
Increased confidence.
-
Ability to create your own style (there's no 'truly right' way to do things).
-
Creates friendship groups, over a shared love, that can last a lifetime.
WHY BUILD AN INDOOR PARK?
Simple answer is... we really need one.
Here's a map of the indoor parks across the middle of the UK - can you spot the gaping hole?!
Indoor parks provide a much needed boost to the local scene, and here's just a few reasons why:
1) The UK weather - let's face it, it's rubbish, and having an indoor alternative can only be a good thing.
2) Wooden ramps - they survive much better indoors, are easier to learn on, easier to maintain, and hurt a lot less than concrete, especially for those just learing how to fall.
3) Specific timetables - we can put on lessons and sessions for certain groups for when the outdoor parks are likely to be more intimidating. This is far more beginner friendly.
In addition to this, we plan to use Grant Funding through the park to really add value to the local community, with cross over events involving art, music, culture and similar. We also plan to organise sessions for disadvantaged younger people, so it's not just those with disposable income that can take part.
