Evolution Skatepark subject to 'extreme vandalism'

The Evolution Skatepark, on the border of Saltcoats and Stevenston, has recently been targeted by what's been described as "extreme vandalism".

The damage at the facility comes after the voluntary board who operated the facility decided to disband at the end of 2023..

The property had been sub-leased to the volunteers by KA Leisure, which manages the neighbouring Auchenharvie Leisure Centre.

Officials at North Ayrshire Council (NAC) say they have been in discussions with KA Leisure with a view to the latter organisation taking over the management of the skate park.

But its future has now been cast into further doubt following a series of recent incidents at the facility.

Some of the damage caused to the facility. (Image: Submitted)

Containers at the facility have been broken into, causing what appears to be substantial damage.

Then a fire broke out affecting a storage container at the skate park on the evening of Saturday, June 8.

NAC says it has removed all salvageable equipment from the park while it determines whether it can be safely returned to use. 

Police are said to be monitoring the situation, while the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) had to send two crews to the most recent incident.

A fire affected the skatepark on Saturday, June 8. (Image: Barry Griffiths)

A fire service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 8.33pm on Saturday, June 8 to reports of a metal container on fire at Saltcoats Road, Stevenston.

“Operations Control mobilised two fire appliances and firefighters extinguished a fire affecting a metal shipping container.

“There were no reported casualties and crews left after ensuring the area was made safe.”

Damage has been caused to a number of items at Evolution Skatepark. (Image: Submitted)

A council spokesperson said: “The Evolution Skatepark was managed by a voluntary board who disbanded late last year. The park was sub-leased by the board from KA Leisure, who also lease and manage the Auchenharvie facility next door.

“We have been in discussions with KA Leisure in the last few months to explore the potential of them taking on direct management and responsibility for the operation of the park.

“Unfortunately the skate park has recently been subject to break-ins and extreme vandalism.

Only some equipment was salvaged following recent incidents. (Image: Submitted)

“Due to this we have temporarily removed all salvageable equipment from the site to ensure it is protected and until we are able to confirm with KA colleagues whether the site will be in a suitable condition to operate in the future.

“Police Scotland are fully aware of the situation and have been carrying out increased patrols of the area in response.”