Penicuik Skatepark, Midlothian, Scotland
Posted on September 24, 2007 @ 9:45 AM
Photography by Alex Irvine
D.O.B: May 2007
Cost: £230 000
Design: The original designs were binned due to a high water table preventing a sunken bowl. David Sowerby, a local user came up with the original design in conjunction with a skate group.
Contractors: Clachan Construction. The build took 16 weeks to complete.
Shops: The park is based in the town centre so within easy walking distance.
Other Users: This park was designed by BMX’ers so it comes as no surprise that you'll find a lot of them there. Fruitbooters are also there but not enough to be a pain.
Lights: Not at the moment, but they will be doing lighting tests for dark patches in October and permanent lighting should follow.
Closest Hospital: Edinburgh Royal infirmary. Basically don’t get hurt there cause you have got a 45 minute bus ride to get to hospital.
Hassle: Some Ned’s now and again, acting all tough. Mostly harmless but I can imagine Friday nights down there are interesting
Closest Skateshop: Focus Edinburgh. wwwfocuspocus.co.uk
Website: penicuikskatepark
Funding: Local council, Lottery Fund
What’s right with it: The concrete is poured well throughout and is smooth. For the most part the coping is good, only one small part is too chunky. There has been a conscious effort to make the place unique. Some elements are reminiscent of Livi and Dundee. They've done pretty well to fit it all in.
What’s wrong with it: The fact it has an attempt at street course snuck in behind the extension detracts from the flow of the park a bit. The ‘dish to wall thing’ is virtually solely for BMX users as its too mellow and high to be any use. The extension conceals the driveway of the street course, which could have benefited from being inclusive to the rest of the park. It results in the section being full of kids doing the back and forth thing.
Getting there:
By Car: It is in Loanburn park in Penicuik just off the A766. Follow the Edinburgh ring road south and turn off on the A701. Loanburn Park will be on your left just as you take the A766.
Trains: No trains in the Midlothian area.
Bus: From Edinburgh: 40a from Dalkieth or 142 from The Royal Infirmary. From Galashiels take the 62a or b.
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