St Albans Skate Park extension to cater for beginners 

The Waipapa/Papanui-Innes Community Board has approved the extension of the St Albans skate park in Christchurch following feedback from local residents concerned that the park does not cater to beginner skateboarders and scooter users.

The extension at St Albans Park will utilise the current gravel area, with work expected to start on the landscape plan in October. The extension will be completed by April next year.

The local community, St Albans School and skate jam participants have all contributed design ideas.

Community Board Chairperson Emma Norrish says there has been a great deal of community support for the change, with many people wanting additional skate elements to help beginners improve their skills.

Norrish advises “we can see the positive role that skateboarding can play in community unity.

“Skateboarding is very much a mainstream urban sport today, helping to keep young people healthy and active while also encouraging creativity and boosting confidence.

“We have collaborated with our community to better meet local needs and deliver an accessible skate park that suits all ages and our diverse neighbourhood.

“By creating a skater-friendly area and ensuring that other park users also have suitable space, St Albans Park can be enjoyed by the whole community.”

Following changes to the initial concept plan, two walnut trees will be moved to a more suitable area while proposed seating will be shifted near a shady section where people can still watch the skate park users.

A low pyramid, wollie ledge and rectangular grind rail will replace the skate area’s double rollover bumps while a cork-type surface laid behind the quarter pipe over the mound will protect the skate area from gravel.

A small barrier section at the top of the hipped quarter pipe will also protect pedestrians using the nearby path.