A group of young skaters are celebrating the installation of new lighting at the skate park in Victoria Park, Leamington Spa following their determined approach to demonstrate the need to improve safety in the area.
Supported by youth workers at Warwickshire County Council, who regularly engaged with young people at the park, the group started a project to raise their concerns about safety – particularly after dark and during the winter months.
The young people were also keen to make the skate park a space that could be safely shared with all park users. In a considerate move, they chose to stop skating during daylight hours when unsupervised toddlers were playing in the area—further limiting their time to enjoy the facility.
Recognising the importance of safety and inclusivity in public spaces, the council’s youth workers facilitated a series of meetings in the park with key stakeholders, including Councillor Geraldine Cullinan (Clarendon Ward), Jon Barnett from Warwick District Council’s Community Safety Team, and David Adams, Chair of the Friends of Victoria Park.
Through months of collaboration and ongoing youth engagement, the case for improved lighting was made clear. Warwick District Council successfully secured Home Office funding to install lighting throughout the circular path around the park, and importantly, for the skate park itself.
The new lights were installed last month, and the response from young people has been overwhelmingly positive.
(X) said: “This project is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when we listen to young people and take their concerns seriously. As a child friendly county we are committed to creating safe, welcoming spaces for children and young people to play, socialise and thrive. The young people who use Victoria Park have shown great maturity and community spirit, and I’m delighted their voices have helped make this park safer for everyone.”
One of the young people said: ” We want to thank everyone for helping us, we really didn’t think it would happen as we know we may have a negative stereotype by some, but having the lights is brilliant.”
The enhanced lighting not only improves safety for all users after dark but also demonstrates how young people can be responsible and engaged members of their local communities.