Campaign to fix Ryedale skatepark gets international recognition
Tony Hawk has sent a video in support of the scheme.
Last updated 7th Apr 2021
A campaign to revamp and restore Ryedale skate park is getting attention from around the world.
A petition to repair the halfpipe and park there has been backed by US pro-skater Tony Hawk.
He has sent a video in support of a petition set up by Ryan Swain:
Ryan Swain is from Malton, and his petition to repair and restore the skatepark has reached nearly 800 signatures: "I'm worried that the half-pipe could be dismantled and scrapped, and you can't just take those facilities away from people.
"I've been using this area since I was a small child, I've grown up here and I've learnt everything from life from using these facilities. I'm so passionate about keeping them.
"All generations use these facilities, and the half-pipe has been closed off for nearly two years. It's a shame because it's an icon and believed to be one of only two facilities in the North-East region that you can use for free outdoors.
"These fixtures should be preserved and looked after properly. The half-pipe hasn't been touched in 20 years. It's 12 feet high and is a fantastic ramp.
"For the first time in history we've got a skateboarding team for Team GB at the next Olympics (in Tokyo). There's going to be a massive influx in people wanting to learn those skills after the Olympics.
"It would make a huge difference to the whole community if we repaired the park. It would also bring a lot of people to the town and the area. We've set up a GoFundMe page and a petition, plus we've had local contractors offering their services to come and revamp the area.
"We've had so many video messages sent in by professional skaters and BMX riders: Jamie Bestwick is a 14-time gold medallist in BMX; Tony Hawk, the world's most famous skateboarder, had jumped on board the campaign; Lucy Adams is a female pro who has backed us as well".
Ryan also says the skatepark is an ideal centre for exercise during lockdowns: "This base in Malton and Norton is the heart of the community. It's a free outdoor facility to use, and sports like skating and BMX can be done individually.
"If we go into another lockdown you could still come outside and take part.
"I do think that the local authorities should encourage more young people to use the facilities, but the only way they're going to do that is by restoring the ones they've already got".
The petition can be found here and says that: "It's one of the only things in the Malton area left for the younger people to do and go to for free. It promotes multiculturalism, develops social skills, it's a great networking hub for youngsters to meet new friends and learn new skills and also be proactive for free.
"Some of the local councils are opposing the skatepark, it's lease and denying the funding to repair one it's most iconic pieces the Halfpipe. This Halfpipe is one of it's kind originally a display ramp at Alton Towers at one time was the only outdoor one in the UK that was free to use. Professionals have travelled far and wide to have a go on it. So it has heritage".
We've contacted Malton Town Council and Norton-on-Derwent Council for a statement.