Member Article

New outdoor trials biking park opens in South Yorkshire

Local entrepreneurs Lee Moore and Lee McKeith created the new recreational space for trials bikers of all ages as an extension to Dexx Skatepark in Wath upon Dearne, which opened last year. The new trials bike park is only the third dedicated Trials Biking facility in the UK. The skatepark, on Derwent Way, features an outdoor assault course of obstacles, and provides services and activities to help young people develop as athletes, individuals and members of society by access to physical recreations that promote well-being. This is a welcome outdoor addition to the already established indoor Dexx Skatepark which caters for skateboarders and scooter riders.

Gala Tent, the UK’s largest manufacturer of gazebos and marquees, has loaned the use of one of its structures to the opening event of a new bike park, which took place on Saturday 26th July 2014. Dexx Trials Park, in Wath Upon Dearne, aims to combat anti social behaviour in the area. Jason Mace, Managing Director of Gala Tent, said “It’s projects like these that keep our communities healthy. The new skatepark will give children and young adults a place to call their own, and will in turn keep them off the streets. I am delighted to be able to help the skatepark with the loan of a gazebo for the opening event.”

Prior to the opening of Dexx Skatepark, residents and traders in the local area had complained about bikers causing a nuisance. Last year, the park was greatly credited for youth crime falling by 35% in Wath and the surrounding areas on Mischief Night, the night before Bonfire Night in which mischief-makers typically cause chaos to their local area. To conquer this, the skatepark hosted its own entertainment night as an alternative for young people who may otherwise have been caught up in the infamous evening’s antics.

Project leaders behind the new Dexx Trials Park are confident that the new facility will aid Dexx Skatepark’s goals, and by targeting younger riders, will be able to implement these to a wider audience, further decreasing anti-social behaviour in the area. Dexx Trials Park is applying for charity funding, and is proactively seeking partnerships with young people, agencies and funders to advance the development of the facility and the services within it. The Skatepark already has its own shop, canteen and seating area with TVs and magazines for young people, and parents alike, to relax.

Trials biking is a sport which takes determination and skill, and although not recognised by many council-funded parks, is extremely popular in the world of sport.

Dexx Trials Park was officially opened by the Deputy Mayor Cllr Maggi Clark on the 26th July 2014, with the event running from 10am until 6pm. There were many activities throughout the day including world champion pro-riders showcasing their skills, competitions for all abilities, a DJ and a BBQ. Gala Tent loaned the use of a 6m x 6m Gala Tent Marquee to the opening event.

During the summer holidays, Dexx Skatepark is open from 11am to 9pm Monday to Saturday and 11am to 6pm on Sundays. Gala Tent Limited is one the UK’s largest importer and exporter of tents, marquees and pop up awnings, which supplies to commercial organisations, the event industry, local authorities and the NHS, as well as homeowners across the UK.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Michaela Stafford .