‘Dream come true’ as work on new skatepark at seafront set to begin
WORK is set to begin on a new and improved skatepark on Hayling seafront this month.
The team of veteran skateboarders behind The Hayling SkateparkProjecthaverallied thecommunitytosuccessfully raise £207,000 to create new facilities on the seafront.
Maverick Industries, the UK’s leading skatepark builder, have been appointed to deliver the project.
Matt Pilkington, project chairman, said: ‘Getting to this stage where we’re about to break ground feels like a dream come true.
‘We’re super excited about the launch and are already turningourattentiontophase two, which involves fundraising for solar powered lights and starting a skateboarding coaching programme led by young people.’
With the help of Havant Borough Council’s communities team, the project team secured £75,000 from historic section 106 funding and were successful in winning several additional grants from the Veolia Environmental Trust, the FatFace Foundation, the MJ Camp Charitable Trust, and The Hayling Lions.
Councillor Clare Satchwell,cabinetleadforplanning, Hayling seafront strategy and coastal management, said: ‘We are thrilled to be working with the Hayling Island skate park user group to ensure the replacement of the previous metal and wooden structures aremetwiththenewconcrete design.
‘The new design will provide an accessible, progressiveandmostofallafun,skate provisiontobenefitthehealth andwellbeingofourresidents. We know from experience thatfacilitiessuchastheseare often travelled to from far and wide so once complete, later this year, we are looking forward to welcoming new visitors to the island.
‘The skatepark is part of our ambitious and exciting planstoenhancetheseafront, and create an inspiring destination.’
More than 1,500 people attended the Skate Jam event last summer, and £10,000 has been raised by the public and local businesses, including £5,000 from Burras Ltd and £3,000 from ILOVEDUST amongst others.
AineScott,operationslead for the project, said: ‘Working on this project and speaking with many young people and their families has shown us how this facility is and can be so much more than just a skatepark.
‘It has been a catalyst for bringing people together in a really positive way and has inspired us to think of ways it cancreatemoreopportunities and support young people in the area.’