Popular sports Centre is facing uncertain future

By Maurice Garvey

AN URBAN freestyle sports centre is facing an uncertain future due to a lack of funding and support.

Polish native Stan Ukleja and a friend established the D10 Skate Park in Cherry Orchard Industrial Estate back in 2014.

The centre caters mostly for young kids, providing a safe and friendly environment for BMX, skateboards, roller blades, scooters, a foam pit, and a range of workshops including parkour and graffiti.

The friend Stan started the venture with had to step back, leaving him to try and keep the show on the road almost single handedly.

Parents saw the benefits the centre provided for their kids, and volunteered to help keep the venture afloat.

“Without those parents, we wouldn’t be here,” said Stan, who displays a can-do-attitude and remains positive despite the challenge.

He continued: “We’ve had no support since opening, except for a €350 grant from the partnership. Facilities here act as a hugely positive outlet for kids, particularly in a disadvantaged area. Kids with ADHD or special needs can flourish here. We can also help tackle anti-social behavior in a positive way.”

Previous BMX clubs operating next door folded in recent years after struggling to pay weekly rent bills of €900.

Attempts to get local authority funding proved difficult with both Dublin City Council and South Dublin County Council, previously stating the Upper Kennelsfort Road premises is not within their catchment area.

A qualified coach with Cycling Ireland, Stan feels it is important to foster an “inclusive” attitude for visitors.

“People who come in here, we encourage them to help each other out,” he said.

“We have all the child protection support and qualified coaches. Kids are supervised, they have to wear helmets and pads, but they are also unsupervised in that they can enjoy the park.”

The facility has huge potential to develop, and Stan wants to create a sports centre (D10 House of Freestyle) that attracts people from across the country for a range of workshops and events.

He continued: “I have ideas to develop the place but we need support. BMX is now an Olympic sport. The potential is there but you also need the culture of BMX in Ireland to support each other.”

Check the centre’s favourable rates and opening hours on d10skatepark.wix.com.