SK8MK 2002-05
The initiative was begun in Autumn of 2002 as a result of growing concerns in the CMK Partnership, particularly with the private sector business members that Skateboarding and other street sports were destroying the infrastructure and frightening pedestrians. There was a strong move to 'ban' street sports and the police also looked at the possibility of arrests for criminal damage.
I and my Landscape and Urban Design terms were of the view that a heavy handed approach would not work as the 'challenge' and 'risk' elements would be enhanced and escalate the problem into open conflict. Milton Keynes is a world famous 'spot' for street sports because of its modern infrastructure, and this needed to be recognised.
Instead we proposed a consensus building approach which brought all parties together to look at the positive aspects of this high energy youth culture against negative aspects as perceived by the Business Community and the Police.
A professionally facilitated consensus-building event too place in October 2002 which set out the issues and agreed an approach.
A Steering Group was set up, which I chaired, with a wide membership from protagonists and antagonists, including street sports enthusiasts, the police and the business community.
A series of events designed to engage the street sports enthusiasts were then planned by the group. these included films, professional displays and workshops.
Communicating by text and e-mail a series of sub-groups formed to look at branding, design and location, risk management , maintenance, and management. At it's peak the initiative had over 300 active participants.
Branding was key to the development of ownership by the Skaters and as a tool to keep strong interest over the months the brand became SK8MK (Skate MK).
Design and location comprised of a group of local and pro skaters, the shopping building owners and the Police. Workshops were held where the Skaters normally congregated to 'pattern' the approach.
The strategy was developed for long-term delivery of a series of 'routes and honey-pots' throughout the City Centre. Areas which would be attractive to Skaters and other areas where, by the use of materials, skating would be discouraged.
A popular 'spot' in CMK is the old Bus Station which has a large undercover area and had become of focus for street sports. This was identified as the first 'honey pot' to be implemented. A scheme was designed by the skaters, pro-skaters and money allocated by the CMK joint venture.
This has been recognised as a unique initiative and has already been widely publicised in the RIBA journal, cable 360 magazine, Street Scene magazine, Sidewalk magazine and on Radio and TV. It was the recipient of the LGC national award for Community Involvement in 2006. It also kick-started a process which has led to the defunct Bus station being converted into a Youth-based facility for M.A.D (Made a difference).