Graystone Action Sports (Skatepark, Trampoline, Bouldering) (Manchester) — Attraction in Salford

Ok. I don't know where the other 5 star reviewers went but it doesn't sound like they went to the same facility that I went to!

Let's see now. I've been using skateparks for about 20 years now. As a BMXer I might add. So let's start at the beginning. Booking a session. This is a brand new concept to skateparks. Usually, there are two scenarios and it's been this way since time began. You turn up at any given time and say, "I'll have 2/3/4hours worth or all day please." Or, there are time slots. Usually 3 hour slots and you just turn up at the start of your desired slot and it's happy days! Oh. And £5-6 for two hours is the going rate. Gemstone want 10 of your pounds for two hours and for now, you'd better pre-book the 2 hour slot. Or 4 hours for 20 quid if you've got the energy and bank balance!

Next up is what are you getting for your money? What you're not getting is a "world class" training facility. What it has is poorly thought out features and not particularly inspiring to be quite frank. The street course is a bit like a massive oblong bowl with one side higher than the other. You have to start at low side and strategically placed halfway towards the other higher side are some very peculiar objects/obstacles to get not too imaginative with. Well, for you to ever find objects like them in the real world would be nothing short of impossible. Maybe the handrail is the closest thing to being real but other than that, they've thought TOO far out of the box.

On the other, high side of the said street course/bowl area are random openings/slots/orifices to try and avoid before making your way back to the starting side.

Next up. The high point. The Bowl. The transitions are perfect. The coping is perfect but the layout is just a little bit odd! You can tell that the ramp builders (brilliant crew) didn't design it. Certainly not with us 20" riders in mind. It looks like it works for skateboarding? I saw some guys putting in some seriously hot laps on their boards but for us BMXers, you're going to need to be REALLY handy to get the most from the bowl. The deep end is really nice to ride but the contrasting shallow end just doesn't really flow well. Lack of deck space is an issue also and that goes for the entire area that contains the street section and bowl.

The "Big Air" zone. Bit of a funny one this. Generally the plan goes something like this. You can jump already so you'd go to the jump box and jump. Simples. There is no jump box. What you have is a humongous foam pit with multiple height roll-ins to give you varying degrees of air into to foam pit. Great. So you've learned a new jumping trick so you want to take it to the next stage. The RESI. This is a jump box with a soft but smooth landing. No real danger it's logical progression. So you've got your new found jumping trick in the bag on the foam put and in the bag on the resi. Time for the real jump box! The one with the legit, hard landing! No mercy! If you get it wrong on the real jump box, it could get nasty. But you're confident you have the trick nailed. Guess what. There's no jump box. Nope. You can't finish what you started. Not at Greystone anyway. No. You'd better jump in your car and spend some more money at a nearby skatepark that DOES have the facilities!

The licenced bar and "restaurant" are nice touch though. Not quite world...

Please read entire thread to understand this review

Staff behaviour certainly considered anti semitic. Unacceptable. Called ahead of visit, was told plenty bikes available. Got there, was given the once over and told no bikes available. Staff behaviour made it clear they weren't interested in us being there. Called again 10 minutes later to be told by staff on the phone there are plenty bikes available.

Follow up: Further to your reply below, I am not accusing the business owners or the directors of anti semitism. I said staff behaviour! To be clear, I called up almost immediately after being told there are no bikes available, to be told by a very nice lady that there are plenty available, for all ages.

There was a staff member who first flatly refused to provide bikes that were supposedly reserved by this party, then proceeded to make numerous excuses about why the bikes on site weren't available. The parties for the most part brought their own scooters, only few were rented from the facility. Additionally, stating the business aspect as reason for my comments as being ridiculous, and saying previous experiences by other members of the Jewish community, do not count towards the experience today.

The behaviour today at your facility can certainly be considered anti semitic. I trust the staff involved with this episode will understand that at times like these, treating people with the slightest bit of dignity and respect goes a long way.

2nd Follow up: I do appreciate the forthcoming response. I will happily say the facility is exceptional, and worth a visit for those interested in these types of sports. Well located, decent parking, clean facilities etc. Nevertheless, I stand by my words, and given my phonecall to the facility as previously mentioned, would lead me to certainly consider the contentious aspect of religion/race may have played some part in this. I trust this is an isolated incident that hopefully will never be repeated. Thank you for your offer of hosting the kids, but please pass that kindness on to the next Jewish family that attend...

Greystone Skatepark is an awesome multi activity centre that my 9 year old attends. From then minute he started attending all the coaches and staff warmed to him and him to them. They guide him, support him, socialise with him, encourage him and care for him.

I decided to take advantage of the Easter holiday club but the weeks advertised were out of synch With my sons. So I approached Tom and asked whether he would be willing to take my son the week before their planned holiday club. There was no hesitation. Tom was so accommodating from the start. We made contact and he agreed and negotiated on drop off and pick ups to suit our work commitments. Tom and his team greeted me every morning 10 mins before the agreed time and took Eathan from me. Eathan was looked after all day whilst enjoying skateboarding, scooting, playing pool and trampolining. He had his friendly coaches at hand. Included in the daily fees were plentiful fluids and a hot lunch. Eathan had an amazing week enjoying what he does best and hanging out with likeminded people. It really is a second home for him. As parents we felt it was great value for money as we gained a personal service for our son whilst working. Prior to this Easter holiday, we also took advantage of the February half term holiday and paid for one day from 1000-1600. This too was an excellent service as eathan was with a crowd of 8-10 other holiday members. The coaches have planned short activities as well into the day that involved the foam pit treasure hunt. Eathan made some new friends. This sure is a place to hang out with warm and very welcoming people anytime. Thanks to Tom and the Greystone team for looking after Eathan that week. He had a strop with me on the last day because he didn’t want to go home! What does that say?!... a spoilt brat?! Or a child who expressed his emotions outwardly that he very much enjoyed his time at Greystones and didn’t want it to end? We will be back I promised next week...