The UK’s first glow-in-the-dark skateboard park has opened in Liverpool ahead of the city’s 2016 biennial arts festival.
The permanent sculpture, which is named
Evertro, opened to the public on 6 October. It has been designed by South Korean artist Koo Jeong A in association with developer Wheelscape Skateparks. The central bowl of the facility is coated in a phosphorescent paint, so when evening falls, the park glows a luminous green.
Evertro is located in a new public space within Everton Park, branded the Action Sports HUB. It was commissioned by the city’s mayor, Joe Anderson, and is the flagship development in a wider scheme to open five similar sports parks across the city. It will be managed by Friends of Everton Park, the Land Trust and Liverpool Vision.
Jeong A worked on the design with young Liverpudlians and the city’s skating community. As a result,
Evertro combines popular skatepark features with new sculptural elements, creating a unique space for experimentation. The facility can be used by both skaters and BMX bikers.
Ahead of the opening, the artist said: “Working in the community of Everton has been a fascinating process. What appealed to me about this is that community members of different ages have come together to help create this project. It has been an inspiration to work on this new public commission.”
A spokesperson for Wheelspace added: “
Evertro redefines what a skatepark can be. It will be as mentally stimulating to ride, as it will be physically exciting. We look forward to the continued artistic evolution of the project as the skaters and community explore the possibilities of the space."
The opening of
Evertro is part of the ongoing regeneration of Everton Park and North Liverpool, with the city council reportedly seeking to emulate Barcelona’s Parc Guell. The park, which is located at Liverpool’s highest point, is a draw for tourists because of its panoramic views over the River Mersey.
In 2013, Liverpool-based architecture and design company Broadway Malayan beat competition from four other firms to secure a contract to design a new Everton Park Destination Hub. It proposed building a ‘sky pier’ with an information centre, event and gallery space and café. However, the cost of the scheme spiralled and in July it was placed on indefinite hold because of a lack of public grant funding.
