This evening, Wednesday the 7th of December 2022, Oakham Town Council gathered to vote against the heavily-debated Centenary Fields Skatepark proposal.

The Oakham Skatepark Project, which has been ongoing for over two years, is a local group organised by Jon Dixon, who is passionate about providing a skatepark for the local youth (and adults who may wish to participate).

The proposal for Centenary Fields as a location was put forward by Jon in July 2022, when Rutland residents were asked 'Is Centenary Fields big enough for a Skatepark?'

Feedback from this survey was generally positive, with over 80% of responders in favour of the proposal.

However, at a meeting hosted by Oakham Town Council at ROL House on the 15th of October, many residents came forward in opposition of the build, citing noise, anti-social behaviour and proximity to houses as a few reasons that the proposal should not go ahead.

However, this was not the case at the following meeting on the 1st of November 2022, when local parents and kids rallied in support of the proposal.

At tonight's vote, there were a number of Rutland residents in attendance both in support of and against the proposal.

Only one resident spoke out in opposition of the build, citing a pre-submitted list of reasons that the park should not be built at Centenary Fields. He appealed that the Council consider the opinion of residents in opposition of the park.

Four spoke in favour.

Jon Dixon was one of these, and discussed the official standards for a skatepark, affirming that this skatepark would fulfil the brief set down by Skate GB. He added: "Our proposal is modest in size [...] and I feel can be built in sympathy with the current site."

He also brought pages of documentation in support from Rutland residents and skating professionals.

He added: "The youth deserve an area of expression in view of the public, not hidden away in a corner."

He appealed to the Council, suggesting that this project would encourage the "embrace of youth culture", concluding with a statement from GB Skating Chair, Alex Jordan: "I truly hope that Oakham Town Council decides to pursue the development of a new concrete skatepark, which I am sure will become a much loved and used community facility."

While this event opened the floor for those 'for' and 'against' the proposed built to have their say, the decision ultimately came down to the 8 Oakham Town Councillors in attendance - excluding Cllr Paul Ainsley, Hannah Williams, and David Graham, who were not in attendance.

Oakham Town Council made the decision to vote against the proposal, which means that the skatepark has not been agreed in principal, and the debate will continue.

Those who voted in favour are:

• Cllr Romney
• Cllr Nealson

Those who voted against are:

• Cllr Lowe
• Cllr Toseland
• Cllr Buxton
• Cllr Wadsworth

Those who abstained:

• Cllr Garwood
• Cllr Nix

What do you think?

Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

We look forward to hearing from you.

View the full Council meeting here: