Corby skatepark Adrenaline Alley ramping-up for restart of indoor sports

The facility will reopen on Monday, April 12
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Staff a a Corby skatepark are putting the finishing touches to the ramps for skaters, BMX and scooter riders in readiness for the re-opening on Monday, April 12.

The team at Adrenaline Alley in Corby - Europe’s largest skatepark - have been hard at work preparing to welcome back all customers who have been unable to visit during lockdown.

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Following a Government announcement on March 24 that gave approval for indoor skateparks to re-open next month, Adrenaline Alley will reopen on April 12 for public sessions and on April 13 for their Training Club.

Sam Harvey flying high at Adrenaline Alley before lockdown. 
Photographer: Erik UlankinSam Harvey flying high at Adrenaline Alley before lockdown. 
Photographer: Erik Ulankin
Sam Harvey flying high at Adrenaline Alley before lockdown. Photographer: Erik Ulankin

The third national lockdown had prevented people using skateparks since the beginning of January.

Mandy Young, Adrenaline Alley’s co-founder and chief executive, said: “With the next stage of restriction relaxation looming on the horizon, skateboarders, inline skaters, BMX and scooter riders are itching to get back on the ramps.”

Set up in the current location in Priors Haw Road in 2006 by Mandy Young and her son, John Chard-Young, the site now covers six acres site with over 120,000 sq ft ramp area making it Europe’s largest skate park.

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Keen BMX rider and Adrenaline Alley regular Sam Harvey, 28, said: “Before Covid I travelled 50 miles every week to Adrenaline Alley. The current lockdown has really taken its toll, it’s the longest I’ve ever been without riding.

The Rhythm at Adrenaline AlleyThe Rhythm at Adrenaline Alley
The Rhythm at Adrenaline Alley

“For most of us, these sports are not just hobbies but a significant part of our lives. Without them, we feel lost. Not only does BMX keep me fit and active, but the buzz from riding is like no other.

“I completely respect that we’ve all got to play our part in preventing the spread of the virus, but skateparks being off-limits has really got me down. I’m so relieved that Adrenaline Alley will be reopening their doors and can’t wait to get back.”

Run as a social enterprise by six trustees, Adrenaline Alley received an average of 60,000 visits per year before Covid-19, and employed 27 staff and the support of 20 volunteers.

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Mandy added: “Riders and skaters rely on skateparks to enjoy the sports they are passionate about. As a charity trading as a social enterprise, we also rely on their visits to remain sustainable.

The Wairhouse at Adrenaline AlleyThe Wairhouse at Adrenaline Alley
The Wairhouse at Adrenaline Alley

“The past year has been incredibly challenging. Each lockdown has prevented us from generating the revenue that keeps us afloat.

“We are so pleased to be reopening soon and to see the smiles on the faces of everyone in our rider and skater community. These sports bring so many people such great physical, psychological and social benefits and providing this is incredibly rewarding.”

The team expect a rush of returning customers and have already started taking online bookings to accommodate for this. Because of the restrictions placed on the skatepark by coronavirus guidelines, capacity will be limited. This means the team are advising everyone who is eager to get back on the ramps to book as soon as possible. Click here to book.

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