First Skate Jam takes place in Kingsbridge

Celebrations for Kingsbridge’s first community Skate Jam went off with a flying start at the opening of its new skatepark on Saturday, 6 July.

Organised by Kingsbridge Skatepark Group, the jam-packed event featured skate, scooter, blade and BMX competitions for all skill levels, along with live music, food and a bar.

L-R: Steve Mullineaux - SHDC Director of Customer Service and Delivery; Rob Sekula - SHDC Natural Resources and Green Spaces; Cllr Denise O'Callaghan - SHDC Ward Member for Kingsbridge; Cllr Victor Abbott - SHDC Executive Member for Community Services and Leisure; Adam Sherring - Kingsbridge Skatepark Community Group; Cllr Julia Wingate - Kingsbridge Town Council and a skatepark user

Adam Sherring, Kingsbridge Skatepark Community Group, said: "Saturday’s Skate Jam is another testament to how badly these sort of facilities are required in the South Hams. You can probably feel the positivity flowing through Kingsbridge right now - it’s beginning to feel like a community for the majority, not the minority.  

"Today we see a broad spectrum of ages celebrating what the town has to offer and we couldn't be more stoked about it!

"I must thank all those involved - my committee work tirelessly and rarely get the credit they deserve. The local businesses, bands and DJs who have supported us for little to no money coming their way. Finally, and most importantly, the community in which we live in. Without their support it just doesn't get done. [Today] is for them!”

Cllr Victor Abbott, South Hams District Council’s Executive Member for Community Services and Leisure, said: “One of our priorities is to work with our communities and support them to deliver projects and schemes that will enhance the area for us all. This is a great example of us all coming together and making a difference to the Kingsbridge community.

"Skateparks like this provide the opportunity to have fun, keep healthy and enjoy being outdoors too.

"Thanks to Kingsbridge Skatepark Group for putting on such a great event for the community.”

Watch South Hams District Council's video from the day here: 

Built at the end of 2023, the skatepark was achieved due to the collaboration between Kingsbridge Skatepark Community Group, South Hams District Council, Kingsbridge Town Council, Sport England and the incredible support of Kingsbridge residents. Working closely together, the funders all had a common goal; to provide a community skatepark for Kingsbridge.

Kingsbridge Town Councillor Julia Wingate said: "The first Kingsbridge skate Jam has just been amazing, so many competitors from as young as four years old! And so much community support with volunteers helping out, bands play for free, stages built for goodwill, we could not have asked for more.

"The skate community of Kingsbridge are really taking care and ownership of the new facility, keeping it clean and tidy, swept of leaves and tree debris so they can skate to their hearts content. The park is in constant use from early dawn to dusk with an amazing wide range of ages and abilities all getting along, it’s great to see.”

Kingsbridge Skatepark has been funded by:

£10K Places and Spaces plus extra funding from Sport England.
£55,000 from South Hams District Council, including £25,000 of Section 106 Developers’ Funding.
£50,000 from Kingsbridge Town Council.
£39,000 raised through a local community Crowdfunder scheme.
£5,000 from the Gibbons Trust.
£5,000 from the Norman Family Trust.

Lisa Dodd-Mayne, Executive Director Place, Sport England, said: “Through a successful Crowdfunder campaign that raised almost £39,000 from a community of over 280 supporters, Sport England have provided £10,000 of ‘Places and Spaces +Extra Funding’ towards the Kingsbridge Skatepark project.

“We are delighted that the Skatepark is complete and fully open. A vibrant and accessible space, the Skatepark is an example of how we are supporting communities to transform lives through sport and physical activity, putting into practice our Uniting the Movement strategy.”