by Tim Nuttall
The long-awaited redevelopment of Withernsea’s skatepark is nearing completion, with the finishing touches now being made to the site ahead of a week of activities celebrating the wider opportunities it will bring to sport and physical activity in the town.
Designed by Bristol-based skatepark specialists Canvas in partnership with Active Sports and local residents, the park has been completely remodelled as a multipurpose activity space suitable for skateboarding, scootering and BMX riding.
Thanks to capital funding secured from Sport England, and the combined efforts of Active Withernsea and Withernsea Town Council, work began on site in January with the removal of existing ramps and the construction of a new park layout, including the replacement of damaged fence panels on the perimeter.
Tasked with delivering the project was Hessle-based construction company CR Reynolds. Contracts manager Dan Hughes said: “We were delighted to be involved in the construction of the new Withernsea skatepark which is anticipated to be a social and active hub that can be enjoyed for many years to come.
“Working in close collaboration with the client and specialist subcontractor Canvas, the scheme was carried out to a specific design which incorporated the views of existing users to help make it a unique and valuable asset to the town.
“It was a pleasure to have delivered this high-quality scheme in collaboration with the client and Canvas, providing a valuable facility that we are sure will have many social and economic benefits to the town and its residents.”
The redevelopment of the skatepark will be celebrated from midday on Saturday, May 25, with the 2024 Skate Jam – an event where skaters, scooter users and BMX riders can try the new ramps and show off their skills for the chance of winning a prize.
Led by Active Sports, the event is free to enter – with all levels and abilities being encouraged to take part. Those wanting to participate can register on the day, with under-18s needing a parent or guardian to sign up for them.
The Skate Jam will launch a week of celebrations that will involve the project’s main collaborators working alongside other clubs and organisations including the Millennium Green Trust, Withernsea Tennis, The Hut, Withernsea Bowling Club and East Riding Leisure Withernsea, among many others, to collectively celebrate the full complement of opportunities that the park’s redevelopment will bring to the area under the banner of the new Urban Adventure Zone.
- Read the FULL article in this week’s Gazette! In newsagents and in our online edition HERE
- A 28-page booklet featuring a timetable of activities confirmed for the May half-term has been produced to help celebrate the launch of the skatepark and adventure zone – read it online HERE
