Appeal for skatepark revamp after ramps removed

The Swanage Skatepark Community Project (SSCP) said "user numbers dropped" after ramps were removed

A community is hoping to rebuild its skatepark after the council removed ramps for resurfacing work last year.

The Swanage Skatepark Community Project (SSCP) is trying to raise over £200,000 to improve the site.

James Woodford, from SSCP, said "user numbers dropped" after the ramp removal.

Swanage Town Council said it did have a plan for the skatepark but a group of volunteers had "more ambitious proposals" and it is very supportive of the group’s fundraising.

The SSCP fundraiser has already received more than £20,000 from 200 donors

In February 2023, three pieces of equipment were removed by the council after inspection reports raised some issues with their condition.

It then resurfaced part of the park and had allocated £15,000 for new equipment but campaigners felt that was not enough funding and set out to raise more.

Mr Woodford said that although some ramps remain at the site, the "majority of the skatepark area is currently empty, flat tarmac".

He said initially the SSCP aimed to just replace the missing equipment but users have asked for more "variety".

"Providing a gold standard park and making the best use of space will cost just over £200,000, so this is what we’re aiming for," he said.

Mr Woodford added that the SSCP fundraiser has already received more than £20,000 from 200 donors.

The group hopes to take stewardship of the park and since it formed Mr Woodford said it has "had some great meetings with the council, met lots of local users and hosted a fundraising community day".

"We hope that by funding the provision of new equipment, we will be able to nurture a strong, caring and intergenerational community around the use of the skatepark," he said.

According to Mr Woodford, there is a lack of opportunities for young people in a rural area like Swanage.

He said: "We think that ensuring there is a great skatepark here will support young people to make positive steps and see the best of their area as they grow up, feeding its improvement into the future."

A Swanage Town Council spokesperson said: "The town council did have a plan for the skatepark, however, a group of volunteers had more ambitious proposals for the park and came together to form the Swanage Skatepark Community Project."

The council has also donated money to the SSCP via the Swanage Town and Community Partnership - saying it is "a key part of delivering its youth strategy".