Bowes Lyon Skatepark has been, and remains, very popular within the local community. It has hosted various famous skating tours over the years including the ‘Powell Peralta’ tour in 1988, which featured Californian skating legends Steve Caballero and Lance Mountain, as well as British skateboarder Pete Dossett.
Stephen McPartland, Member of Parliament for Stevenage, said “I have submitted an application to Historic England to have the Skatepark listed, in response to concern from local people. Stevenage Borough Council published development plans in July 2015 which clearly shows Bowes Lyon Skatepark demolished and replaced by a car park. Although, the development plans are nonsense, which I do not support as they will never get off the drawing board, the public were understandably appalled by this suggestion.
"I stepped in and applied to Historic England to list the Skatepark, as it is considered a historical asset to Stevenage and holds precious memories for many of my constituents. Not only is this a place for sport, it is also a valuable aspect of youth culture, where young people meet and socialise together whilst keeping active.
“I am delighted Historic England are now compiling a report, which will be made available for consultation before a final recommendation is made to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. I will publish the report as soon as it is available and collate responses for Historic England to consider. We have a great opportunity to save our Skatepark and I am delighted we have reached this crucial decision point."
Bowes Lyon Skatepark was built in 1978 to accommodate the very first skateboarders during the skateboarding boom; this was the same year as famous Skatepark The Rom in Hornchurch. Bowes Lyon Skatepark was based on Californian prototypes, featuring a large pool with smooth lining material. It is one of the few remaining concrete Skateparks, in its original form, from the 1970’s which has not been demolished or abandoned, and this is because of the devotion it has received from avid skateboarders over the past 30 years.
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