Kingsbridge Skatepark is finally open and bad weather didn't stop the fun on the first afternoon

Kingsbridge Skatepark is finally open after three years of planning, fundraising and community organising, and wet weather didn't stop people rocking up to enjoy it for the first time. 

Kingsbridge Skatepark has now opened, and it is already a space where young people of all ages and abilities can come together to have fun and enjoy their sport. 

Kingsbridge Skatepark officially opened at 3.30pm today, Thursday, 14 March, and it was soon filling up with kids on scooters, skateboards and BMXs, all enjoying the new community facility. 

Kids of all ages and abilities were not put off by the wet weather 

The Kingsbridge Skatepark Committee, and the people responsible for bringing this long-running community project to life are Adam Sherring, Julia Wingate, Josh Harvey, Nick Bone, Josh Berry, Dris Donnelly, Mike Jennings, Ben Ward, John Cole, Dena Bex, Matt Smith, Pete Everitt and Zak Fivian.

Remi and Ella trying out the park for the first time

Adam said: "Huge thanks to you all for supporting a project that will have a real positive effect on our community. We had many sensitive issues to navigate so knowing that you had our backs really helped us push it to a successful conclusion. 

"A massive thanks to South Hams District Council, Kingsbridge Town Council and Wheelscape Skateparks for helping make this all a reality. Special mention to Rob Sekula of SHDC - absolute legend throughout. 

"This is intended to be a community space for people of all ages to use and enjoy. We will be asking the more experienced skaters to act as ambassadors of the park, promoting the values we want our community to project. This park is for all ages and abilities built on a foundation of inclusivity. 

"I’ve seen first hand how experienced skaters support and encourage young shredders popping their first ollie or dropping in for the first time - don’t be afraid to join in!

"We hope you all have many, many years of enjoying the new Kingsbridge Skatepark!"

Members of the town council and the Kingsbridge Skatepark Committee were there to see the first users take to the ramps. 

Dena Bex, member of the Kingsbridge Skatepark Committee, called it "revolutionary" and said it will "revolutionise the area for young people, give them a space to enjoy themselves and feel like they have a bit of their surroundings for themselves". 

As soon as kids got out of school the park began filling up 

Kingsbridge Police have been very supportive of the project and posted on social media to congratulate the team and welcome the new skatepark. They said: "Congratulations to and all those involved in pulling it together. Thank you. 

"Whether you are a participant (of any age!), a parent/guardian or some just wanting to watch and recognise some of the skills on show, come and support this fantastic facility.

"Here are just some of the reasons we think it's going to be great.
- A physical activity for children and young people, particularly attractive for those not involved or not interested in traditional team sports, promoting health and wellbeing.
- A safe and challenging place for wheeled sports participants to develop their skills. 
- Skateparks provide a safe alternative to “street skating” and help to reduce anti social behaviour.
- A place for participants to learn patience and respect as well as concern for their own and others safety.
- Skateparks support vibrant healthy communities, just like other sports facilities.
 - A really positive environment for young people where they forge friendships, camaraderie and push themselves against each other in their sports."

Kingsbridge Skatepark has had a long history, nearly two decades, of not meeting the needs of the local community, with a feeling of betrayal in some youngsters who had raised money and dedicated themselves to creating the first park in the Recreation Ground in the early 2000s (read why in our full story from 2021 here), and this new, modern, fit-for-purpose asset will hopefully go a long way to healing those wounds and looking forward to the future. 

A lot of the funding came from small, individual donations, as well as larger donations including £10,000 from Sport England, £5,000 from British Cycling, £1,000 from The Pavers foundation on behalf of Herring Shoes and £1,000 from the Devon and Cornwall Police Community Resilience Fund. 

The group raised £38,845 with 285 supporters in 56 days, giving them the backing and the community support to secure the required £250,000 to make the park a reality. 

Local businesses and people could also sponsor a brick to support the park: 

Main image: Some of the Kingsbridge Skatepark Committee - L-R: Adam Sherring, Julia Wingate, Josh Harvey, Nick Bone and Josh Berry