Skibb skate park campaign has over 1,200 signatures

BY PHOEBE HOGAN

A SKIBBEREEN local has started a petition for the construction of a skate park in his home town. 

Rowan Lawlor, with help from his friend, Hazel O’ Connor, started the petition about three weeks ago, because he felt there was little for young people to do in Skibbereen. 

He also thought it would be a fun way to bring the community together using physical activity. 

Rowan is in sixth class in Gaelscoil Dhoctúir Uí Shúilleabhán. He was inspired to start skating by his older brother and got his first skateboard last Christmas. Rowan loves going to the skate park in Bandon, but he feels this is a long distance to travel for the activity. 

He feels the tennis courts in the playground would be an ideal location and he has over 1,200 signatures so far – with that number growing all the time. 

‘I plan on bringing the petition to Cork County Council. I hope they take all the signatures into account, and find funding for the skate park,’ said Rowan. ‘The tennis courts in the playground are overgrown and underused, they could construct ramps and replace the courts with the skate park,’ Rowan pointed out. He wants the park to be open to those using skateboards, bikes and scooters, and says it will keep skaters away from car parks and footpaths. 

‘I always wanted something like this to happen – I never expected such a big response. There have been no negative comments and I think everyone is in support of the petition,’ Rowan said. 

To sign the petition, see ‘Skate Park in Skibbereen’ at www.change.org.