Oxfordshire skatepark reopens after nearly £158,000 upgrade
- Published
Witney Town Council said the new park has been designed to appeal to people of all ages and abilities
A town's skatepark has reopened after an upgrade "emphasising inclusivity", a council has said.
The Wheeled Sports Park in The Leys park in Witney, Oxfordshire, officially opened on Friday.
Witney Mayor Owen Collins cut the ceremonial ribbon before local enthusiasts tested the new ramps, rails and obstacles.
The update was funded by £100,000 from Witney Town Council and a £57,975 grant from the FCC Communities Foundation.
The town's mayor said he was pleased to see so many young people "get stuck in immediately"
The revamp includes new rails, obstacles and ramps - including lower-level ramps for beginners, making it a safe space for everyone, the authority said.
Mayor Collins said it had been "an absolute pleasure" to reopen the park and to see "over 100 young people come down to get stuck in immediately".
He highlighted the "many, many young people" who provided feedback and input throughout the process, adding: "The success of this design owes a lot to them."
The mayor added that he hoped the revamp would show the council was there to serve everyone in the community and that "when young people do get involved and engage, amazing stuff happens as a result".
Mayor Collins cut the ribbon at the skatepark's opening ceremony
In a post on social media, the council said: "Emphasising inclusivity, the Leys Wheeled Sports Park was designed to appeal to individuals of all ages, skill levels, and abilities, providing a welcoming environment for everyone to enjoy wheeled sports.
"Whether you're a novice finding your balance or a professional perfecting your moves, there's something for everyone at the park."
Penny Horne, grant manager at FCC Communities Foundation, which gets funding from landfill operators, said the business was pleased its funding would provide "such a fantastic facility for the town".
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