Proposals for a skate park to commemorate the life of Isaac Nash are dividing people in his home village.
The Isaac Nash Trust (TINT) is currently raising £100,000 to create a skate and scooter park at Highburton Recreation Ground. The charitable trust was set up in memory of Isaac, 12, who died after being swept out to sea at Anglesey last summer.
But some local residents claim it would cause noise and be a focus for anti-social behaviour, graffiti, drinking, drug taking, litter and potential violence.
They say that these are common issues at many skate parks, especially in the evenings, and would be unwelcome at a public amenity so close to houses.
Objectors also claim that the proposed concrete construction would mean a loss of green space at a vital community asset for both young and old.
Stuart Brook and Howard Boothroyd, spokesmen for the Friends of Kirkburton Recreation Ground, said: “Everyone in the village was extremely saddened to hear the news of the tragic events of Isaac’s death.
“The family has our deepest sympathy and we can understand their wish to have a lasting memorial. Although a skate park is on the face of it a well-meaning project, the decision to build it on the recreation playing field is misguided.
“Little consideration has been given to the impact of this development on residents, including senior citizens, living adjacent to it and how their lives are likely to be affected.
“This is a small recreation ground providing an area for both play and sporting activities, and what is now a pleasant green open space will be spoiled forever.
“A robust stand against the project will be taken by many people should this ever be brought to the planning stage.
“Following the very successful fundraising campaign perhaps a different type of project, or a more appropriately located skate park, should be considered to provide a lasting memorial to Isaac.”
Pictures: Burton Community Fun Run in aid of Isaac Nash Trust
Isaac’s grandfather and TINT trustee Howard Lewis said that such parks had been around for decades and the Kirkburton one would fit in harmoniously with its surroundings and attract families and people of all ages as participants or spectators.
He added: “Many people from this village and further afield have selflessly put massive efforts into raising money. They have swum, run, climbed mountains, baked cakes and cycled hundreds of miles. They are raising funds not only for a skatepark, but also improvements to the recreation ground for the benefit of the residents of Highburton and Kirkburton.
“The proposal for a skate and scooter park is driven not by the wish for a memorial for Isaac, but by a demonstrable need and desire for facilities for young people of the area to enjoy. Something which Isaac and I had discussed during journeys to or from Skelmanthorpe in the summer holidays, where he and his mates liked to go to use the park there.”
A public meeting will be held to discuss the matter at 7pm on Friday at Highburton Village Hall.
