Skate park and play areas taking shape

A £215,000 skate park and play areas in the Black Country are taking shape, council chiefs said today.

The skate park is set to be built in Kenrick Park, West Bromwich, and initial works have already begun on the site.

Two play areas are also to be established in Chance Drive, Smethwick. The projects have been funded by Big Lottery money and cash from a developer, and officers from Sandwell Council's parks and countryside management team say they have been working with young people on the schemes.

Landscaping work has been commissioned and designed by Sandwell Council's landscape architects.

The West Bromwich skate park scheme has now been finalised after two consultation evenings were held with young people.

Three suppliers were consulted in a project worth £95,000.

Work has now begun on site in constructing the hard standing area for the skate park.

The second project will see a new play area built at Chance Drive.

Young people have been consulted within local schools and an investment of about £120,000 approved.

Sandwell Council culture and leisure chief Councillor Linda Horton, said: "The views of young people are fundamental to the success of these projects, as they are the end-users.

"They know which type of skate ramps and play equipment they prefer. We have held successful consultation sessions with young people and they have been involved in the complete design."

Plans are also being drawn up to replace skate park facilities at Britannia Park, Rowley Regis in a £100,000 project paid for with cash handed over by developers.