Livingston Skatepark questionnaire launches

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is asking members of the public to share their views and knowledge on Livingston Skatepark, after the organisation was asked to consider designating the site as a listed building. Built in 1981, Livingston or ‘Livi’ skatepark is known around the world by the skateboarding community.

Working alongside Skateboard Scotland, the official governing body for skateboarding in Scotland, HES is gathering comments and information from people who know and use the skatepark or have a view on its design, history and significance.

A building may become listed if it is of special architectural and historic interest, and this survey of Livingston Skatepark will help inform the assessment and, in turn, future management decisions. Views from the public on the Skatepark’s special architectural and historic interest, along with any other relevant information and stories, will help to enhance HES’s understanding of the site’s significance as they assess it for listing. 

Dara Parsons, Head of Designations at HES, said: “We know that Livingston Skatepark is a hugely popular piece of urban heritage, renowned among skaters across Scotland and beyond. We want to hear views from as many voices as possible to help us understand more about its cultural and historical significance and its position among our 20^th century heritage. We’re delighted to be collaborating with Skateboard Scotland on this survey.”

Rick Curran, Skateboard Scotland, said: “Livingston (Livi) skatepark is a world renowned and iconic Scottish skatepark recognised by many for its ground-breaking design, built at a time when skateboarding was experiencing a global slump. This design has not only resulted in continuous use by generations of local skaters but has also seen many world-famous pro skaters visit over the years, such as Tony Hawk and Steve Caballero, who recognised Livi's deserved place in skate history. Skateboard Scotland are extremely keen for Livingston to retain the essence that makes it a famously strong foundation for Scottish skateboarding, but also to explore necessary steps to ensure this essence is protected for future generations through sympathetic, considered stabilisation and restoration. We look forward to working with the skate community and HES on this.”

You can give your views by completing this short questionnaire, open until 18th May 2023.

Listing the site would ensure that its importance is taken into account in future decisions about its management. More information about listing is available on the HES website.

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