New Bristol Skatepark: A Benchmark in Teamwork
GBH Ramps have built a brand spanking new skate park on the mean streets of Withywood, Bristol. The park was officially completed on the 21st January, so if you fancy some free fun, mosey on down to this tasty slice of skatepark.
This outdoor park has a 5ft Spine mini, driveway flatbank to quaterpipe combo, street spine, rollin, a couple of quaterpipes and a grind box. Even before the construction workers had properly packed away their tools the ramps were infested with local kids eager to christen the virgin ramps and reap the rewards of their hard work.
After several years in the production stages the Withywood skatepark finally took shape when youth worker, Martin James took charge of the project. His desire for a safe and stimulating environment for the community’s youth to haunt spurred him onto great feats in fundraising, gaining support from Single Regeneration 5. The fight for funding even attracted attention from across the water, resulting in European donations from Urban 2. Bristol City Council backed the scheme, all the way – hat’s off to their Leisure Services Department.
The young skaters in the community put down their playstations and got off their sofas to get involved in the scheme. Mr James emphasised ‘We worked intensively with a core group of young skaters for a year on this project. Some of the skaters were as young as 8 and as old as 18, so there was a whole range of abilities.’ The kids visited skateparks far & wide, involving the local residents with their plans.
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.