CASE STUDY 1

MEANWHILE GARDENS BOWLS  These bowls were the first major bowl development in the UK and were constructed in the early 70's at the start of the first skateboard boom. It was managed by the Meanwhile Gardens Amenity Trust, a community Charity organization. The bowls were built as three inter-linked units on a continual slope.

It soon became a skating classic despite two major flaws. The first Meant it was impossible for skaters to regain the top once you arrived at the bottom. It meant a walk back up the hill. The second flaw was an indifference by the builders to structural design of concrete. The sides were poorly supported, weakly re-inforced, allowing the tops and sides of the transitions to break away. In 1999 the trust obtained a large lottery grant to refurbish the whole Park and part of the money was allocated to the skatepark. Bendcrete were invited to examine the feasibility of refurbishing the bowls in tune with the 21st century.

Through discussion with the user group and particularly Saun Goff of SS20 a number of options were developed. The remaining base of the bowls was sound but the budget could not cover a size for size replacement. To save costs the existing structure was used as a foundation for the new scheme. The shape was changed to give more variety and wider ability appeal. The upper bowl became a capsule and the lower two reduced in diameter. Instead of the continual slope the bowls were terraced and the Transitions given a consistent radius for more speed. They were linked by a roll-over where they joined so that a good skater can work up and down the chain only stopping when out of energy. Some good hips emerged and moguls are set in the base of the two larger bowls. It now encourages good flowing rides. An earth tremor in 1992 disturbed the joints and small lips have appeared. Up to this point maintenance costs were negligible but a budget is to Found to grind the lips out.

The bowls are used by thousands of riders each month and it has once More become a centre of London based activity. The work cost a total of £104,000.00 plus VAT Address is: Meanwhile Gardens Amenity trust, Kensal Rd. and the bowls Are in Elkstone Rd. The nearest tube station, Westbourne Park is a five minute walk from it. Metered car parking is adjacent but busy.

 

 

CASE STUDY 2

STEVENAGE SKATEPARK  This park was also built in the early 70,s and was unique in that it Formed a large part of a major youth centre in the heart of Stevenage dedicated to the Queen Mother - Bowes-Lyon House.   In its original state the park had a number of units which were not inter-linked for flowing skating. The dominant feature is a deep clover leaf bowl backing onto a banked flat area. Another bowl was set to one side of it and a huge capsule/half pipe extended from that.

Over time the single bowl was filled in and because of the structural techniques used, parts suffered with wear and tear and were damaged by intrusive tree roots. It soldiered on until 1993 when disaster struck and the park failed to Pass a RoSPA test although in fairness the test was not around in 1970.   Bendcrete were invited in to look at the options for the renovation of The park to meet the new standards. After inputs by the local users and Saun Goff of SS20 it became clear that the park is a much loved classic and the original features and skating quality had to be preserved for future generations.

As the budget did not support a major reworking, attention focused on modifications to meet the safety standards. This meant widening the platforms and as a consequence of that levels had to be revised. These were then designed to create a flow between the units that was not possible earlier. Major areas of flatland were replaced and it was interesting to see that the builders did not think hardcore or reinforcing steel necessary. Roots from the poplar trees got underneath and caused cracking and Changes in slab levels.   A larger and longer platform off the ramped area now leads to the Clover leaf and gives a circular route around the park. The original bowls were well made and have many years of life in them.

The retaining walls and steps have been steel edged for grinding as well as reducing long term maintenance. As an experiment, part of the banked area has been polished with diamond disc tools and this has been very successful in retaining speed. To improve the drainage the existing covers were replaced with larger ones to allow greater capacity. The park classic features have been successfully retained and improved by the remedial work.   The new work has been finished to a high quality in structure and finish which will ensure a long future for generations of riders. The final RoSPA inspection gave it the highest safety marks a skatepark can achieve. Full marks go the staff of the Herts. Youth Service who obtained Approval for £50,000.00 in the face of competing pressures and other priorities to carry out the work. The park re opened on Dec 12th 2004 . The address of the centre is St Georges' Way, Stevenage , SG1 1XY but the park use is restricted to members of the youth club.

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