BLOG POST 3: Portrush comes together to shape the future of Metropole Park!
Around 50 people joined us at Portrush Town Hall on 23 October for an evening of ideas, discussion and inspiration as the community helped shape the future of Metropole Park.
Working alongside CAUS (Causeway Association of Urban Sports) and specialist skatepark designers Betongpark, we presented the emerging concept designs and invited residents, families, young people and sports enthusiasts to share their thoughts.
The proposals explore much more than a skatepark, bringing together skateboarding, a pump track, play, community space, events, improved pathways, and biodiversity within the existing coastal landscape.
Importantly, the designs are still evolving so the evening was an opportunity to explore the ideas and help shape what comes next.
Visitors were invited to leave feedback across a range of themes, including skate space, pump track, play, community space, circulation, and biodiversity.
There was plenty of enthusiasm for the skate facilities, with suggestions for bowls, snake runs, ledges and rails, beginner areas, and surf-skate features.
The pump track generated ideas around BMX jump lines, beginner routes, bike hire, and repair facilities, with a clear interest in creating something for all ages and abilities.
Play was another popular topic, with suggestions including climbing walls, zip lines, natural play, basketball, table tennis and even a ninja warrior-style course!
Some of the most interesting feedback focused on creating somewhere for everyone to enjoy, whether taking part in activities or simply spending time outdoors.
Ideas included community gardens, a grass amphitheatre, stepped seating, street art, food trucks, and picnic areas.
Shelter from the wind and rain, accessible pathways, wheelchair-friendly spaces, and improved lighting were also recurring themes.
People also highlighted the importance of planting, wildflowers, biodiversity and making better use of the existing landscape.
The feedback sheets certainly demonstrated the community's creativity, with suggestions including:
- "Give life to forgotten area"
- "Wheelchair inclusive and fun"
- A sinking Drontheim boat!
- A summer foam pit and giant slide!
Not every idea will necessarily make it into the final design, but every suggestion helps us understand what people would like to see.
What happens next?
Feedback from the evening will be considered alongside the online consultation, school workshops, and discussions with local stakeholders.
The design team will use this feedback to help refine the emerging masterplan, exploring how the different activities, community spaces, pathways, and landscape can work together.
Thank you to everyone who attended, shared an idea or took the time to provide feedback. The conversation doesn't stop here, we want to hear from as many people as possible as we continue developing a vision for a park that reflects Portrush and provides something for everyone.
The online survey will remain open until the 15th November: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PVFTDSQ
