Description

Based on a consultation between the Municipal administration, the Municipal Council, and an informal group of residents the Municipality of Burgas built a modern skate-park on previous abandoned location in a peripheral city area. This high-density housing complex needed urgent improvements to reach the quality and access-level of the other parts of the town. The aim was to improve the living conditions by providing access to facilities for physical activity for around 70,000 people, and fulfill the needs of the young residents. The financial resources came from the Operational Programme “Regional Development” and 85 % from the European Regional Development Fund. Skate-park is a part of the project Integrated project for renovation of significant spaces in town of Burgas. Within park itself – equipped with dustbins, fence, benches, animal waste baskets and signs – also surrounding green surfaces and streets were renewed. Skate park is intended to lovers of rollerblades, skateboard and cyclists (BMX, scooter, …). The space is designed in such a way that provide opportunities to learning for beginners and is also attractive to more advanced skaters.

 

Results and impact

As a result, an increased number of young people are skating and the place became more attractive for local residents. The extreme sports sponsor Red Bull facilitated a sport gathering, which helped branding the place as ‘cool’. It was promoted through local newspapers (including electronic ones), local TV and radio, and on the website of Burgas municipality. There were also events organized to promote the skate park. In this case, establishing innovative physical equipment was an effective promotion for sport in public spaces. The park is also suitable for the organization of regional and international competitions.

 

Type of activity

Regular outdoor trainings/courses

Building health promoting infrastructure

Rehabilitation of old industrial zones

 

 

Place: Burgas, Bulgaria

Territorial level: Local

Organizer: Burgas Municipal Council, administration and informal group of individuals

Source: http://burgascity.com/