Five brand-new, energy efficient floodlights have been installed at Kelso skatepark to enhance the facility and allow it to be used all year round.
Investment following community campaign
The upgrade to the facility follows a successful community campaign led by students at Kelso High School and supported by the Council’s Community Learning and Development Service.
The Kelso Skatepark Lights Project was started by pupils in 2022 and received support from local decision makers and the wider community.
Increasing usage of the facility through the winter
The new lights will make a positive difference by increasing the number of hours the facility is able to be used especially during winter months.
The system installed has been designed to run only during winter months and will be operated on a 30-minute timer, ensuring maximum energy efficiency and low running costs when not being used.
Throughout the installation stage, local young people were involved in the project and assisted in the reinstatement of the wildflower meadow that sits adjacent to the skate park.
The improvements have been made possible thanks to funding from the Place Based Investment Fund along with contributions from the Cheviot Area Partnership.
Councillor John Greenwell, Executive Member for Roads Development & Maintenance:
“The new lights installed at Kelso skatepark are a superb addition to this well-used facility and will mean that local users can use the facility much more often.
“The upgrade is another further example of SBC’s commitment to funding enhancements to facilities like this skatepark, in line with the Council’s placemaking agenda, which provide so much benefit to the local community. I look forward to seeing the floodlights in operation.”