Crawley, West Sussex.
Posted on November 27, 2007 @ 9:46 PM
D.O.B: August 2007
History: During the early nineties a great friend of mine Trev Wedd and his friends managed to persuade the council into building a facility for the local skaters. This was how the very much-loved Crawley Skatepark was born. Originally made of wood it was one of the largest free wooden skate parks in the South East. Unfortunately around two or three years ago the site was sold for housing development and soon after the park was demolished. It was a sad moment but also an exciting one because where lay the remains of the old one, just across the railway a new park was in the making. There were problems with the planning and it took almost two years for the new park to be built leaving Crawley and the community of skaters a great skate park down. Again thanks to Trev and also Paul Baker from the local Council, they helped in ironing out the niggles and this year we saw the rise of the greatly anticipated and one of largest free parks in the county, certainly this side of the big smoke. In late August this year Crawley’s concrete skatepark was completed. This park is truly monumental not only for skaters but also Crawley, the South East and an example of an amazing facility to other councils.
Cost: £500000 although, now closer to 550000.
Funding: Sports England the majority and Crawley Borough Council putting up the rest of the money.
Design: Freestyle Ramps/ Crawley Freestyle association
Construction: Blakedown construction and Dura-crete for the curves. 19 weeks to complete.
Shops: Just across the road is the town centre with all the usual shops and a Sainsbury’s Local.
Other Users: Unfortunately, you get everyone down here, BMX’ers, Binliners, Mountain bikers and the occasional scooter. At busy times like weekends it can be hell, although the bikes tend to stick to the jump box side of the park so it stays quite divided.
Lights: Yes. Brilliantly bright and create very little shadow. They are on till 10pm and are automatic however there is also a push button to turn them on also.
Security: There is 24hour monitored CCTV and Jimmy and the Park wardens make regular visits throughout the day, to make sure all is tip top.
Closest Hospital: Crawley hospital 5-10 minutes away by car or via the help of the park wardens.
What’s Right: Where do I start! Skate Parks like this one are in short supply and is every skateboarders dream. The uber smooth concrete, lines that seem endless and the sheer size as though you could skate on forever are AA-Amazing. Just looking at it you can see how all the sections have been well thought out and connect effortlessly. The bowl section ranges from 4/5ft up to 8ft with a much bigger cradle around the 11-12ft mark and an 8.5ft extension in the big bowl. It is clear that the park has been designed with people of all different abilities in mind, so everyone will definitely find something fun to do here. The street course is linear and works well within its space and is great for laps. All in all everyone that has been there is in awe of it! The Crawley freestyle association are also setting up Coaching schemes with the help of local skaters and are planning to make it a CFA members only at the weekend, this is no biggie as it only costs a one off Paul Mckenna and the proceeds help with comps and the upkeep etc.
What’s Wrong: Not Allot! The park can get very busy at times especially at the weekends but this is a factor with every good place and is really the only irritating element on a day-to-day basis. Obviously you get the skatepark lurkers, which can be amusing and also entertaining when having a rest. It wouldn’t be Crawley without them – you’ve got to love it! I haven’t heard any complaints just wishes of people’s individual tastes and no one faulting the park at all. My only observation is that because the park is so new the grass hasn’t grown at the edges this can lead to dust being on the park and can make it slippery but in due course will be fixed with age.
Getting there: Crawley is incredibly accessible from nearly all methods of transport, car, bus, train and even plane!! The park is located in Southgate playing fields the easiest landmark is the train station, Which if you have your back to basically turn right and whether on foot or by car and go down past the night clubs to the traffic lights. Turn right and pass under the rail bridge and the park is on your left behind the hedge. The entrance is a further 500meters up the road on your left.
By Public transport: There are various coach companies that run to Gatwick airport such as National Express, then a short train or bus ride will have you in Crawley town centre, you are then within a stones throw from the park. Walk from the bus station in the direction of Crawley train station and follow directions above.
By car: just turn off the M23 from either north or south at the Pease Pottage services exit and follow signs for Broadfield football stadium (2nd or 3rd exit). You will then come to a massive red and white football on a roundabout turn right here (3rd exit) and just keep on this road you will pass through about a million sets of lights go straight over them all and the sign posted playing fields are on your right. Free parking. Enjoy!!
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