Monday, April 07, 2008

Save Harrow Skatepark


For the past 30 years, Harrow Skatepark's unique and timeless design has been enjoyed by thousands
of skaters from all over the world. Also known as ‘Solid Surf’, it has also provided a breeding ground for
generations of World class skateboarders, and a safe spot for riders of all ages and abilities to do their
thing. As well as being something very special to skate, the layout and size of the skatepark allow
several groups of users to session the park at the same time without getting in each others way.

Harrow Council are planning on knocking the skatepark down as well as the Leisure Centre next to it.
The land is to be used to build houses on, bringing in revenue of over 40 million pounds. Thats right,
over £40000000. Yet the Council ar! e only planning on spending £300k on a new skatepark, although
the current (perfectly good) skatepark would cost nearly a million pounds to replace. So Harrows youth
are being robbed of over 600 thousand pounds. And skateboarding is being robbed of an irreplaceable
piece of its history, identity and culture.

Other countries are spending millions on making bigger and better skateparks,yet Harrow council are
planning on knocking this great skatepark down and replacing it with one of a third of its value. How
does this make sense? Especially when councils are supposed to be encouraging more activity for
young people, not less!

So on the 19th April 2008, join us for SAVE HARROW SKATEPARK DAY! It could be the last big
session, theres going to be cash prizes for best tricks in the pool, half pipe etc as well as cash for best
transfer line. There will also be a BBQ, refreshments, ! product tosses, board signings from various pros,
and a late nigh t (maybe all night) flood lit pool session/party with various live bands playing to keep the
session amped!

We desperately want to save this park. But if we can't, we want to say goodbye with this mega session.
And raise awareness to the fact that if the council are to go ahead with their plans and bulldoze this
skatepark, they are going to have to spend way more of the money gained from building these new
houses than they have currently budgeted if they are to build an any where near comparable
replacement.

Harrow Skatepark is situated behind Harrow Leisure centre, a few minutes walk from Harrow and
Wealdstone station.

‘History is not replaceable or disposable- harrow skatepark is part of British skateboarding’s legacy,
lets make sure it’s still there for generations to come’
Ben Powell, Chief Editor of Sidewalk magazine

Harrow skatepark made it pos! sible for me to stay on the straight and narrow, I’m sure its done the
same for many others. It would be a crime to lose it’
Rodga Harvey, Involved in the original build, and skated Harrow skatepark since 1978.

‘An end of an era, but what an era, lets hope whats next inspires future generations as solid surf did.
The H Boyz "sworn to fun loyal to none."
Steve Douglas. Pro skateboarder who grew up skating Harrow and now an international skate
industry mogul.

'I spent most of my childhood at the skatepark, I practically grew up at the place. I made the best
friends I've ever had there, friends I will have for life and I would be heartbroken if other people didn't
have that same opportunity for friendship and fun and skating in the future.'
Dave Hopkins, Harrow skater.

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