Chelmsford Central Skate-Park Repair Work - Spring 2010



So today I got the chance to meet and speak to Andy Eaves, who works for the Chelmsford County Council and is organizing the maintenance work due to take place on the Skate-Park.
Although rain almost hindered this, I would just like to again thank Mr Eaves for making the time to meet me and help us to get our views across.

Some of you may have already noticed minor riveting has taken place to temporally secure the worst of the panelling. Andy broke down for me in more detail what the Council already have planned to take place and also allowed me to raise further issues and problems that you the users of the park are concerned about.

So its official as of the 12th of APRIL the Skate-Park will be CLOSED, cordoned off and will not be available for use. I know I can trust you all but I have to say, please respect that work will be going on here so don’t pester those working on the park, they have a job to do. If we have any issues we must do it in to correct manor and raise it with the council, NOT those conducting the work on the Skate-Park.

Sand-Blasting,

The Skate-Park will be cordoned off as Sand-Blasting work will be commencing, it could potentially be closed off for 1 to 2 weeks, this all depends on what the sandblasting reveals underneath. The Sand-Blasting is in order to not only remove previous coatings of paint, dirt and rust but will give The Council and indication of the true condition of the metal. So prepare for the park being closed longer if necessary, rather now so we have a useable facility in time for the warmer months.

Safety,

The boundary guard rail has been found, apparently down river somewhere, this is to be replaced. Also the Mini-Ramp and Half-Pipe safety rails will be repaired and replaced if required

Ramps,

Once the sand-blasting has been completed, panel replacement and re-riveting will take place, to those worried about the current rivets being used I have been assured that they will be done with flat headed rivets to avoid any potential hazard. The foundations will also be addressed not only under the ramps but to side of the Mini, rubber sheeting will be layed to help avoid further erosion of the soil.

Re-Coating,

All of the ramps, once repair work is completed, will be recoated with and Epoxy-Resin designed to protect the ramp from the elements. I can assure you all this is not going to affect the ride of the ramps as I have seen this used before, its actually designed for Boat hulls, not too slippery or too rough. Again this all hinges on what the sand-blasting reveals.

Foundations,

Or complete lack of to be more precise. I have highlighted a variety of safety issues pertaining from the original construction of the Skate-Park. I will be forwarding this on to Mr Parkington to ensure that everything discussed does receive due care and consideration.

Transitions,

I also got the chance to raise the problem caused by the sinking of the ramps and therefore the dangerous transitions on ALL the ramps and flat-banks. Andy did completely agree and also went so far as to elaborate on a few potential resolutions to the many issues. Being one of the major safety risks in the park, I feel very confident that this can now be addressed and hopefully corrected properly.

Sharp Bent Metal,

All points of split wealds and overhanging jagged metal were pointed out and I have been assured will be resolved considering the high potential for injury caused by the condition of the wealds and joins.

Surface,

One of the parks many major downfalls, the condition of the surface has now been highlighted. Andy agreed and understands the problem caused by all the pot-holes and over-lapping of the asphalt suggesting potential ideas on how this can be sorted. Possibly up to and including a sectional resurfacing of the area effected by the footprint left by the old jump-box.

Coping,

Battered flat and barely useable, this problem was raised and will be addressed once the sand-blasting takes place as again it may reveal many more underlying problems,

Sinking Skate-Park

All the points of the parks equipment that are sinking or slipped were pointed out and discussed. This mainly refers back to the transition problems and surfacing issues previously mentioned but this needs to be addressed especially considering nothing in the Skate-Park is bolted down or secured to any kind of foundation.

Final Point of Interest,

Andy did however let slip a small bone of contention from the Councils side. I refer to the glass and litter accumulated in the Skate-Park area. I did point out the attitude cultivated by the councils previous lack of attention to the Skate-Park but I have to agree with him. I have discussed with Daz and therefore propose that a gesture of good faith on our part is needed.

We will soon be organising a thorough tidying of the area before work commences. This means in, around and under every ramp, in order to provide those conducting the repairs a clean environment to start with but also highlight our communities resolve, support and enthusiasm towards the Chelmsford Skate-Park Campaign.

So there you have it, this may not sound like much, but the work being proposed and conducted is a major under-taking and we must remain grateful to the Council that any kind of financing is being put in the direction of the Skate-Park.

Updates will follow when more is known,

Kind Regards,

Phil McEwan-Bell

Chelmsford Central Park Development



I know this is long one but it pays to be thorough,

So we had our first meeting with Chelmsford County Council last night, thanks mainly to Mr Stephen Robinson for setting the meeting up. First I will add the notes from the meeting and then highlight the key points. Understand though this may taste bitter sweet but there is definitely a chance for us to do something great for Chelmsford.

Meeting re Skateboard ramps, Central Park

18th March 2009, 6.00 pm Christy Room

Present: Stephen Robinson; Luke Pearce; Phil McEwan-Bell; Darren Coles; Glenn Parkington; Paul Van Damme

Meeting Notes

1. Background: Paul Van Damme outlined development influences that were likely to impact upon Central Park (ARU campus & ECCC ground), but emphasised that the Council considered the skateboard ramps were an important recreational facility for the community and that there were no plans to remove them. It was acknowledged that the existing ramps were in need of attention and refurbishment works were in hand. This is an interim measure to facilitate longer term planning and potential replacement with improved skateboard facilities. Other considerations were the views of the Environment Agency for works affecting a flood plain, and a need for planning permission for anything other than a like-for-like replacement. Skateboarding reps emphasised that whilst refurbishment was reassuring, the existing ramps must be replaced, ideally along lines of a concrete construction such as Harlow or Saffron Walden - handouts were circulated as examples of good facilities elsewhere.

Action: Parks Service to review construction of concrete ramps provided elsewhere, as examples of best practice.

2. CHP offer to facilitate setting up a formal representative group: Stephen Robinson referred to an offer from Malin Blom to help set up an organising group. Paul Van Damme indicated the Council would speak to Malin Blom about this and how it might best work.

Action: Parks Service to arrange discussion with Malin Blom

3. Initial refurbishment works: Skateboarding reps asked if they could see recommendations/attend when contractor starts to point out problems that might be missed. Paul Van Damme stated this would be useful input and would see what could be arranged, as order had been placed.

Action: Parks Service to check proposed start date and inform skateboard reps accordingly. Arrange site meeting with Andy Eaves (supervising officer for works) to enable reps to input their knowledge on defects/remedial.

4. Gt. Baddow ramp: Skateboarding reps referred to an offer from Ongar Town Council to dismantle and deliver a sectional concrete ramp to Baddow as a replacement for that which had been destroyed by arson a few years ago.

Action: Parks Service to contact Parish Council to ascertain their position on the offer referred to them

5. Planning permission: There were as yet no definitive proposals from the ARU campus developer in respect of the sub-way widening required by both the Highway Authority (ECC) and the borough council. Given that this was the main factor directly affecting the immediate location of the skateboarding facility, clarification on likely impact to Central Park was needed.


Action: (a) Parks Service to discuss with planners/ECC likely engineering
requirements to facilitate future planning of any revisions to skateboard area.
(b) Skateboarding reps to let Parks Service have any useful information concerning planning obstacles/difficulties encountered elsewhere and subsequently overcome, in order to aid discussions with Planners for any future planning application concerning a new facility.

6. Future Meeting: date/location TBC following discussions with Malin Blom


So to break this down section by section -

1. Background

Whatever happens our could happen all depends on the building sites surrounding Central Park, two of which being a major factor, the old University Campus and a residential development by the Cricket Ground.
Unfortunately what this means is no development will be able to happen on the Skatepark site until these development projects are finalised. Although things don’t look great for this at the moment due to the economic climate etc but this does not mean all hope is lost.

What follows is CCC’s Plan that is already in place to improve Central Park and the surrounding area, their vision “A dynamic, destination city park for all-age recreation for the 21st century.” their words.



As you can see Chelmsford County Council are not adverse to improvement and have taking everything we said and presented them with onboard.
Basically the entire development of Central Park includes the improvement and most importantly the inclusion of the Skatepark.





2. CHP offer to facilitate setting up a formal representative group:

What this means is we will soon be put in contact with a similar group in the area who are campaigning for a BMX/Mountain Bike dirt track in Chelmsford. This could prove helpful as we all have a common interest and ambition. You will know more when we do.

3. Initial refurbishment works

This is great news and will at least put a few minds at ease. The council will not be removing
the ramps,
But will be starting cosmetic work to make what we have now safer and that bit much cleaner,

I gather that from next Monday some preliminary replacement/repair riveting will be done, then sand blasting is to be arranged (date tbc) to both clean away debris and rust and reveal any hidden problems, prior to relining/surfacing work with an epoxy resin coating.

We will be meeting with the company on Wednesday 24th to consult on what is being done and what other issues need to be addressed.

Basically the Council are willing to at least put some money in immediately to repair our Skatepark not just to hand us off but giving us a safer environment until the developments take shape and things become set in stone. We have to wait until building on these sites first in order to know for certain what space etc we are dealing with. This is a positive step as it gives us the time to start a full fund raising initiative.




In answer to peoples questions about simply moving the site the problem lies mainly in the ownership of the land and where the Skatepark fits into this. Unfortunately to the side or under the viaduct will never be an option but ideally we are in the best place already. What we get is a claim on the spot we’re currently on due to Council legislation that prevents the council from removing the facility if not without replacing it.

4. Gt. Baddow ramp

Probably not going to be a viable option but the Council will keep us informed on what is happening with the Ramp. We will let you know when we do.
5. Summary

Until an approved development for the old campus site, which includes the widening of
the subway, is solidified the Skatepark will not change but this meeting presented CCC with a
lot to think about. All of the issues raised by the Skatepark Campaign group up to and including the Parks Services and Essex County Council actually considering and looking into the development and improvement of the Skatepark, most notably what our County Town needs, a concrete Skatepark with a Bowl.

As well as the Council looking into the planning and engineering of a 21st Century Skatepark, the group will be providing the council with a lot of material and references in order to get the seeds planted.

We have been assured that the Group will be kept up to date with anything relevant to the Skatepark from here on in, which is great news for us all,

The foot is firmly in the door, now is our time, we have a lot of work to do.

Phil McEwan-Bell