Known as the largest outdoor supervised skatepark in the UK, the Redditch Wheels Project is celebrating after securing funding from children’s charity Oakland Foundation.
Located at Redditch Outdoor Skatepark in Arrow Valley Park South, the project will ensure children between seven and sixteen years from the most disadvantaged areas within Redditch can access the skatepark during school holidays as well as providing the children with a free lunch. The provision will also include BMX, Sooter and safety gear hire.
Project Director Steve Rooke said: “We just want to say a big thank you to Oakland Foundation for their funding which will enable us to expand our provision and address local socio-economic barriers to participation such as entry fees and equipment cost.
“This will support young people to participate, especially now families may be struggling with the rising cost of living.”
Redditch Skatepark attracts attendees from across all areas of the town and beyond and focuses offering activity participation that becomes a way of life, with the charity utilising a large section of youth culture, sport and lifestyle to tackle many issues with their positive youth sports culture helping to improve the lives of young people through BMX, skateboarding, inline skating, stunt scootering and many other activities involving wheels providing somewhere to go and something to do in a safe supervised environment.
Oakland Foundation Grant Application Coordinator Debbie Roberts commented: “Oakland Foundation is delighted to fund Redditch Wheels Project’s holiday programme which will ensure many more young people can participate during the school holidays.
“What they do at the skatepark is wonderful as staff actually ride with the young people until they build up their confidence. BMX and Skateboarding are great sports, and now many more children and young people have the chance to participate.”
Launched by Redditch family business and total supply chain solutions provider Oakland International, the Oakland Foundation charity aims to ensure all children, and particularly those living in poverty or who are underprivileged, irrespective of social background or physical ability, can participate equally by offering support to children under the age of 16 and their families through initiatives based around education, health and nutrition, and sport.