'Skateboarders' Paradise' to be launched in Milton Keynes next month

An initiative to persuade young people to pick up a skateboard instead of a knife is being launched at the old Buszy building on July 5.
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The new community venture called Skateboarders Paradise MK will be offering weekly skateboarding lessons and live entertainment at the venue.

Organiser Suzanne Fletcher has been planning the project since January, after being inspired by the skateboarding exhibition at CMK.

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"I enjoyed volunteering and hearing about the skate history that MK is enriched with," she said. "I was also growing more concerned about the incline in knife crime in MK and throughout the country. So I decided to start up community-based events."

Experts will give tuitionExperts will give tuition
Experts will give tuition

The old Buszy, now known as Unity Park Station, is the perfect venue with its existing skate park that was created out of the old bus station opposite CMK rail station in 2003.

"I want to try to bridge the gap between experienced skaters and encourage youngsters to learn skateboarding," said Suzanne." Hopefully it will bring youngsters of all ages and backgrounds together to learn a new sport and skill.

"This would give them a support network to allow them to make better and safer decisions - to pick up a board not a knife."

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Events will be held every Sunday afternoon, organised by a team of volunteers, between 1pm and 5pm, inside and outside of the building.

The skate park was created from an old bus stationThe skate park was created from an old bus station
The skate park was created from an old bus station

"The outdoor skate area is big enough to practice safe distancing. We are also going to have local artists performing live music and spoken word. Also each week there will be a guest speaker - somebody who we feel who can inspire the community, especially the youth," said Suzanne,

There will even be recycling workshops, where youngsters can learn how turn old skateboards and musical instruments into useful items.

Budding photographers are welcome as skateboarding photography will be exhibited.

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Skateboarders Paradise MK is in the process of registering as a charity and one of its aims is to raise funds to supply children from low income families with free skateboards and safety equipment. Each full kit is estimated to cost between £40 and £45.

A skateboarder shows his skillsA skateboarder shows his skills
A skateboarder shows his skills

The launch event on July 5 starts at 1pm. At 3pm there will be live music and a resident fire spinner will be demonstrating his skills throughout the afternoon. Refreshments will be available and strict social distancing will be observed throughout.

"The response has been incredible so far. I am receiving so many positive encouraging messages," said Suzanne.

You can keep up to date with the group via its Facebook page called Skateboarders Paradise MK.