Blantyre Skatepark at Stonefield 2009
Built in Summer 2004 by South Lanarkshire Council, Blantyre Skate Park in Stonefield Public Park was taken over and ceremoniously opened by Radworx on Sunday 21st October 2007.
It has recently received a lot of business as the youth company Radworx has been operating within it as well as some other skate parks. The skate park contains a 4 ft (1.2 m) spine section as well as an 8 ft (2.4 m) halfpipe, alongside a 6 ft (1.8 m) counterpart. There is a 2 ft (0.6 m) mini-bowl and a credible street section which contains two fun boxes as well as a 5-set. It is located behind the Sports Centre to the west side of the large red ash football park. Free to enter, it is popular with children from this town and others, especially during summer school holidays. Strangely, I cannot determine if the graffiti is deliberate vandalism or if it’s actually part of the urban decoration and style of the skate park itself, although when first opened, it was just concrete and graffiti free.
Blantyre skatepark is a great local spot, especially if you are a transitions skater. The bowl is a big draw for people from all around and has bumps and corners in all the right places for endless lines. The surfaces are also smooth meaning that it is a great place for beginners and experienced skaters alike.
2013 Dakota Scheutz in Blantyre
In August 2013, hundreds of scooter enthusiasts turned out to meet two-time ISA World Champion pro-scooter star Dakota Schuetz when he dropped by Blantyre. The 17-year-old visited the popular Kaos Skate Store at Clydeview Shopping Centre for a meet-and-greet with 700 eager and adoring fans. And “Kota” of Los Angeles, California, certainly didn’t disappoint, spending four hours with his supporters before then heading to Blantyre Skate Park to give a demonstration of the skills that brought him the World Championship. He was clearly overcome with his reception in Lanarkshire that Summer, posting on his Facebook account: “The craziest demo I have ever done! Thanks Kaos for having us!” John Adamson, owner of Kaos Skate, was delighted with the turnout of fans to see Dakota, adding “We knew if we organised the event after school there would be a large turnout, but we never expected to see so many. “Dakota, and his sponsor, Lucky Scooters, were overwhelmed by the response and reaction in Blantyre, and said that it had been the best they have ever experienced in the world.