Last updated at 14:05, Friday, 04 January 2013

Family and friends of Keswick School bus crash victim Kieran Goulding held a skateboarding event yesterday to gather support for a skatepark in his name.

Title
Author
Copyright

Description

Around 40 skateboarding Santas and BMX riders turned out at Workington skatepark, off Ramsay Brow, to raise awareness of the scheme.

Kieran, 15, was from Whitehaven and it is hoped that the planned Kie Park will be ready in the next two years at a site in Hensingham.

Dylan Sewell, vice-chairman of the committee behind the project, said they hoped it would become the best skatepark in the North.

He said: “Our plan is for Kie Park to be five times bigger than this one in Workington but we are also keeping things realistic.

“There are plans for a lot more features such as bowls, obstacles and bigger ramps.”

Mr Sewell added that talks were ongoing between the committee and a UK skatepark builder, with drafts of possible layouts being created.

More than £4,000 has already been raised towards the park by Kieran’s friends and family.

Earlier this year Kieran’s mum, Tracey Nicholson, cycled 900 miles, the equivalent of Land’s End to John O’Groats, on an exercise bike and raised £2,613.

Ms Nicholson said anything between £200,000 to £350,000 would be needed to build the facility.

She added: “This is something that skaters, bladers, scooter riders and BMX enthusiasts can take ownership of to drive forward and have in their area.

“Kieran loved bikes but as time went on he progressed to skateboarding and it just took hold of him.

“A park like the one we’re planning will provide the perfect facility for young people to practise and develop their passion.”

Access Skateboards, Supertoxic Urethane, Skate-port, Park, Lateral Skateboards and Kurb Skateboarding, sponsored the event.

People can follow the Facebook page for updates at www.facebook.com/events/125923227567846

First published at 13:51, Friday, 04 January 2013
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk