INITIAL plans for the future of the town’s skate park have been released.

While the scheme is very much in its early stages, the vision for Wilton Park aims to be bright by creating a welcoming, inclusive environment for everyone to enjoy.

One of the project leaders, Mark Russell explained that these plans which have just been released, isn’t the final ‘done deal’ but added it’s a working document, a starting point, and we need the community's local knowledge and input to get it right.

Mr Russell said: “We’re hoping to get the students at John Kyrle High to become heavily involved as it will be their generation who will benefit from this scheme.

“Older generations benefitted from attending youth clubs and discos, but now there is very little for teenagers to participate in.

“Ross-on-Wye is great, but it needs something extra for the younger element as this space is for everyone.

“I believe there is an opening for a ‘Learn-to-Ride bike zone, a dedicated space for beginners and a mini pump track for more seasoned BMX bikers.

“Whatever elements make it through to the final design, they have to be robust and obviously flood resilient.

“Some elements, like a multi-use games area could include a court for five-a-side football and basketball and this could create an income, making the park self-financing.

“The scheme also includes social spaces: a dedicated youth shelter, family picnic areas, and natural climbing boulders whilst leaving an area for pop up community events.

Local town and county councillor Ed O’Driscoll said: “The initial concept design for the new skatepark and multi-use games area at Wilton Park has some exciting ideas put forward by the project’s architects, but it is all still up for discussion.

“This high-quality public space is being designed to bring people together and add something special to the heart of the town.” Mr Russell explained that children are desperate for their own bike tracks, that they have created their own in local woodland and added: “I would like the development to be designed from the ground up by those who would use the facility rather than by those at the top looking down.

“It should be community led and this is why we need the public’s feedback. I don’t want people to say in 10 years’ time that this was a missed opportunity to get things right.”

Mr Russell suggests that clubs and societies could make use of the multi-games space in the evenings as special lighting will be provided.

Of the current plan, Mr Russell asks Is there enough seating? Are the paths in the right place? And when it comes to safety and lighting, does the indicative lighting scheme cover the areas that would be most used?

Mr Russell concluded: “This is the biggest thing to happen in Ross in years, if not decades.”

Herefordshire Council have a fund to the value of £63,840 from monies deposited by housing developers for the redevelopment of Ross Skate Park in Wilton Road.

To give feedback search for the Wilton Park Facebook page and leave your thoughts in the comments.