This programme was created after nearly 10 years’ experience managing local community skate parks. We frequently experienced the same issues and successes in common across all of the facilities we encountered over this time.

The Skate Park Ambassadors Programme was developed in conjunction with a County Council and their local skate park facility. After many visits to the facility to provide our Urban Arts Events services we found that local residents and park users frequently reporting repeated incidents of a similar nature and that the Council were struggling to find a positive way forward for the good of all the interested groups.

The challenges are categorised as follows however the lists of issues we encounter will never be exhaustive of course;

• Anti-Social Behaviors  
• Litter

• Unacceptable Language
• Residential Concerns

• Regular Complaints
• Poor Skate Park Etiquette

• Vandalism
• Management Concerns

The aim in every Programme we deliver is to bridge the gap, create community cohesion and to show case the park users’ talents which is often over looked and under appreciated.

Thomas van den Hoeven

Aged 19 from Harrogate, North Yorkshire

I ride really for fun! Don't know how else to put it, once you start you can't stop.

My main influences keep changing but I have always been a fan of Wieger van Wageningen and Levi brown. I mainly Skate Harrogate Park as it's local and I'm used to it! I'll hardly ever turn down a street skate, feels more creative and challenging!

The Skate Park Ambassador Programme is good I am enjoying it. Users of the park are definitely gaining park ethics!

Thomas Davies

Aged 19 from York, North Yorkshire

I ride for fun. I do it because I enjoy chilling with other riders and shooting photo's/videos as well. My favourite parks are Rock City in Hull and Adrenaline Alley in Corby.

I am inspired by the top names such as Harry Main, Mark Webb and Alex Coleborn but it’s my riding buddies that inspire me to progress the most.

The Ambassadors scheme I discovered through my local council, it’s been an enjoyable experience, worth doing if you want to get involved with your local scene. It’s helped us to have more input into our park, makes us consider other factors in the running and maintenance of our local park and it’s an additional accreditation which is always good on a young person’s CV.

Lewis Smith

Aged 15 from York, North Yorkshire

I skateboard because it's something I love doing and I'm actually good at it, I skate whenever I can. I love riding The Works in Leeds and my local skate park.

Ryan Sheckler inspires me because he started from a very young age and never stopped and now he is a professional skater and that is like motivation for me to not stop and keep skating.

 I've found the Ambassadors scheme very fun and helpful to everyone and to our park. Now everyone picks up litter and puts it in the bin and if someone falls we help them and give advice to people in the park in general.

Toby Agar

 
Aged 16 from Thirsk, North Yorkshire

I ride because it's a good way to get out and meet people and it's something where you can never stop progressing. My favourite places to ride are The Works in Leeds and Rock City in Hull.

The riders who inspire me are Harry main, Kriss Kyle, Drew Bezanson and Kyle Baldock.

I have found the scheme really fun and interactive and it has helped on the park by being able to speak to other park users and spectators.

Jake Diprose

Aged 12 from Leeds, West Yorkshire

I ride because I enjoy it and I like learning new tricks. The person who inspires me is Ryan Williams he has a really good style, I want to be like him one day!

I have found the Ambassadors scheme really helpful because I used to shout at people who cut me up but Sk8 Safe have taught me how to talk to them in a different way that helps them understand the rules of the skate park. It has had a great effect on my park and local riders.

John Capps

Aged 14 from Winchester, Hampshire

My name is John Capps, I am 14 years old and I have been skateboarding for nearly 3 years.

My friend Kamron got me into it, I saw him doing kickflips and I wanted to learn.

My main influences are Chris Joslin, Eric Koston and Sewa Kroetov.

I mainly ride my park Winchester, Bay 66 and Midsome Norton.

From the Sk8 Safe ambassador day I learnt to be more respectful of other users of the park, and also learnt how important it is to help others in the park, because I am an advanced user I must teach the others. I think Winchester has benefited hugely from the experience because all the Skaters who went are more mindful of other users.

Thomas Hector

Aged 19 from York, North Yorkshire

I ride to keep fit and healthy. Being close to my friends and making new friends keeps me motivated to try my hardest. Nothing compares to the sense of accomplishment when you land a trick you have put a lot of time and effort into.

The ambassador scheme I believe has made the users of the skate park more aware of the dangers that could occur. Teaching people the appropriate etiquette for my local skate park has made many people use it safely and effectively and as a whole people are happy!

<< Back to Our Services