Accessible skate park's custom-built frame

Jaymi Ferguson is a self-confessed daredevil who has tried her fair share of adrenaline sports.

“I’ll give anything a go once and if I don’t like it, I don’t do it twice,” Ms Ferguson laughed.

Skateboarding was on her “bucket list” — and she has finally ticked it off.

Alley Oops Skate Park, at Birtinya on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, has two custom-built frames on wheels, which allow users to skate or scoot around the indoor course.

For Ms Ferguson, who has cerebral palsy, the harness helps her stand on the board and straps keep her feet in place.

“It’s awesome … I’ve always wanted to do it since I was a kid,” Ms Ferguson said.

Carer Luke Hoeksema has been driving Ms Ferguson from her home more than an hour away to access the skate sessions.

He helps guide the frame around the course and then spends another hour on the drive back discussing the highlights.

“Her favourite bit is the rails,” Mr Hoeksema said.

“She didn’t stop talking about it last time … she absolutely loved it.”

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Key points:

  • A Sunshine Coast skate park hopes more parks will be inspired to include mobility frames for visitors
  • The custom-built frames allow users to skate or scoot in a safe, supportive way
  • Professional rider Ryan Williams helped build the scooter frame. He says it’s “epic” to see it being used and loved

Source
Jessica Ross
ABC News

 

 

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