Attempts to set up a skate park in Swindon have been going on for years, but are often quashed in the early stages due to opposition from people who do not want one near their homes:.
1987: Wootton Bassett youths begin a skate park campaign that is still going on today.
May 1991: The Free Wheels skate park is opened at the Oasis Leisure Centre following a campaign by Swindon youths.
October 1998: New skate park opened in Hillworth Park, Devizes, after a six-year campaign.
1999: The Oasis skate park is demolished, due to safety issues linked with maintenance and crime.
February 2001: A new skate park is opened at Monkton Park, Chippenham, following the closure of an older facility to make room for new district council offices.
January 2002: Youngsters in Pewsey use questionnaires, newsletters and a website in their campaign for a skate park. Swindon councillors reject plans from Stratton St. Margaret council to build a skate park at Dorcan, on the grounds that it would cause a disturbance to local residents.
February 2002: Devizes Town Council told to remove skate park after resident wins county court case on grounds of noise.
July 2002: Chippenham's skate park at Monkton Park closed after residents' complaints.
August 2002: Temporary skate park opened at the Link Centre for six months.
January 2003: Swindon teenager Shaun Zerebecki compiles report arguing for a town skate park.
February 2003: Devizes Town Council consults residents about plans to site a new skate park on The Green. The proposal is rejected in May.
March 2003: Swindon Council draws up a Code of Practice for a skate park, even though there are no skate parks in the town.
April 2003: A petition with 750 signatures on it is submitted to Mayor Stan Pajak, who confirms that the council is investigating three possible sites for a skate park.
May 2003: Skate park scheme unveiled in Haydon Wick. Parish Council set to vote on plan in August 2003.
July 2003: Temporary skate park set to open in the Link Centre in West Swindon. Shrivenham Parish council votes to back the principle of a skate park in the village.
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