Newport skatepark closes today (From South Wales Argus)

Newport skatepark closes today

8:50am Sunday 10th June 2012 in Gwent news By David Deans, Reporter

A NEWPORT skatepark is to close today ahead of the opening of a new facility at Tredegar Park.

The Edge skatepark at Newport International Sports Village is to be demolished because of the new Wales National Football Centre in Newport.

The new park is not to open until next month following delays due to the weather - but city skateshop owner Darran Ward said it will be far better than the skatepark it will replace.

Newport council said it had been intended to open and close the skateparks in the same period, but due to adverse weather "delays were unavoidable".

The new skatepark is being designed and built by Acrete Skateparks with a user group of young people helping to chose the company and design.

It will include new features such as a bowl section, a street section, a peanut bowl and a bike jump.

Mr Ward, owner of Freestyle in Newport City Centre and a skatepark user himself, said: "To be honest the outcome is going to far out weigh the wait.

"The park that is coming is much better than the park that is being destroyed."

He said that the old facility was in a state of "ill-repair," while the new site will be bigger and smoother for skaters.

He added the surroundings of Tredegar Park would probably make for a nicer setting than the car park at the NISV.

The council said that the user group had been "very supportive" and understood the potential delays from the start of the project.

It said the concrete finishes of the new park couldn't be completed in inclement weather conditions.

The last day of skating at the Edge will be today. The new park is expected to open towards the end of July.