City Planners today passed the Council's proposals to create a Skatepark at Edinburgh's Saughton Park. City Sports Leader Deidre Brock described it as a "momentous decision", since the £750,000 project has taken a ten year effort to find a site.
Previous attempts to create a skatepark failed at Inverleith Park 2006 because of a local bylaw issue and at the Meadows in 2003 because of the park's conservation area status.
"Now we'll press ahead with our designers to make sure we get the best possible facility on this ideal site," said Brock.
The 2100m2 facility will incorporate beginner areas, intermediate ramps and challenging competition standard features and is intended for use by children and beginners as well as X-Games standard experts.
Edinburgh Skatepark Project member Sam Paterson, who has been campaigning for a facility for 10 years, said:
"The need for a skatepark in Edinburgh has long been recognised by skateboarders, bmxers and rollerbladers and we've enjoyed the support of the council in our efforts to see the project through to fruition. These sports have become established and accepted over the last decade and it is fitting that the decision has been taken to move forward with the building of the facility. Edinburgh deserves to have a top class skatepark - it's fitting for a capital city.
Saughton Park has several grass football pitches, an enclosed running track, a play area and a new all weather ‘third generation' full size pitch and sevens area. The skatepark site is located to the east of the existing play area next to Balgreen Road.
Paterson thanked local community groups for being "extremely positive" during the consultation process and the police "who have recognised the benefits the project will bring to the area."
Renowned Skatepark designer Dave Sowerby, who designed the new indoor facility, Transgression Park, at Ocean Terminal, has been involved in the Saughton project.
Plans will now be referred to Scottish Ministers for final clearance.