One Minet Skatepark: Saffron Walden
Posted on October 31, 2007 @ 3:55 PM
DOB: June 2007
History: Andrew Minet was a local skateboarder to Saffron Waldon. He had started raising the funds and pushing for a park in the area but unfortunately soon after passing his driving test Andrew was involved in a traffic accident in which he lost his life. The push for the park was taken over by his mother and then by the Saffron Waldon skate group. The result of years of constant pressure and fundraising have left the sleepy hamlet with probably the best park in the UK.
Funding: BIFFAWARD, The Essex Environment Trust, The Home Office, Essex County Council, Uttlesford District Council, Saffron Walden Town Council, local businesses, groups and individuals.
Cost: £220000 but after fencing, groundwork and extras it will be closer to £300000.
Design: Dreamland Skateparks did the lot. Based on a local skate group design.
Contractors: Dreamland. http://www.dreamlandskateparks.com
Shops: Convenience shop 500yrds and petrol station.
Other Users: Everyone and their dog was there when we went, but the vibes were good and there was no shit. The park is designed so that it flows users around each other there are no bottle-necks or loitering dams.
Lights: The lights are there and in working order but funds need to be raised so that power can be fed to the site.
Closest Hospital: Adenbrookes Cambridge approximately 16 miles away. Don’t go down too hard cause you got a long ride ahead of you.
Hassle: The usual small town Chav’s, but nothing you couldn’t handle.
Website:oneminetpark
What’s right with it: Every single thing. From the bowls to the way the coping is set to the flow and the interesting bits around the perimeter. We must admit when we first heard that Dreamland were to be flown in on this project we stifled a little snigger of disbelief. We aren’t one to eat our words but we are chewing on them now. Without a doubt the best park in the country. Please cut this reference out and give it to your local council because this is the way forward for this country. A standard has now been set. Every other “skatepark builder/ contractor” should be visiting this park and taking notes. From this day on there is no excuse.
What’s wrong with it: Nothing… aside from the fact that it isn’t in my town.
Rob Smith lets a Boneless one fly over the Taco, mid-Big Push 07 at the unbelievable One Minet Skatepark
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