'Skatey McSkateface' wins public vote to name Southend skate park

Council says they were 'fully aware of possible outcomes' from letting public vote on name

A new skate park will be called “The Skatey McSkateface” after a public vote on social media.

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council announced the winner after it compiled a shortlist of eight names for a skate park in Warrior Square in Southend’s town centre.

Skatey McSkateface easily beat the other suggestions with 577 votes, more than the votes for the second and third place entries combined.

The shortlist included suggestions such as “Warrior Skate Park” and “Central Skate Park” for the facility, which will reportedly cost £250,000 to build.

Cllr Kevin Robinson, a local cabinet member for business, culture and tourism, said the council was “fully aware of the possible outcomes” when they decided to let the public vote on the name.

“This facility was always going to be something we and the public could have some fun with,” he said.

“The most important part of this is the fact a fantastic new facility is being built in the town centre for children, young people and adults to use, and the benefit this will bring to the town.”

Mr Robinson argued that the building of the skate park has been “driven by the public”, with consolations with residents to decide on the location and design of the facility.

Therefore, it was right for the public to be allowed to choose the name from a shortlist of eight options that were approved by the council.

The Skatey McSkateface name alludes to a public vote in 2016 to name a £200m polar research ship.

In that poll, “Boaty McBoatface” was chosen, amassing 124,109 votes, compared to the 34,371 votes received by the second most popular choice. The suggestion was ignored in favour of a more conventional name – RRS Sir David Attenborough.

In response to the vote, one of the ship’s remotely operated submarines was given the name Boaty McBoatface instead.

The eight names selected for the Southend skate park shortlist were: Warriors, WoW - Wheels on Warrior, Wowser - Wheels on Warrior Southend, Warrior Wheels, The Skatey McSkateface, Board Meeting, Warrior Skate Park, and Central Skate Park.