Thanks to Zoe for sharing details these images and video of the plans for Ventnor Skatepark. You can see just what the skatepark could be like. You can be part of helping to make it happen. Ed
All we want for Christmas is a Great Concrete Skatepark!
Well, we may have to wait a little longer than Christmas, but the wheels are well and truly rolling on the Ventnor Skatepark Project.
The Ventnor Skatepark Group was established by volunteers to get a skate facility for the town, fast forward 15 years and the ramps continue to be maintained and looked after by the group (with some of the original members still involved).
It’s a fantastic location for a skatepark, however the constant battle with the coastal elements have meant that continual repair over the years on the existing ramps has been both time consuming and costly.
Why a concrete park?
The aim of creating a concrete park in the same location was formed in April 2015, and within nine months, the team behind the project have acquired close to £8,000 through the events of the Big Art Auctions, and the 30 hour Longest Skate, as well as a fundraising donations site.
Trustee and Fundraiser, Zoe Thompson said,
“The money that has been raised helps make a great impact on the project in a number of ways.
“Firstly having money in the bank is good. There’ll be a number of financial costs to getting the concrete park built, such as planning applications etc., so knowing we won’t be held up because of costs involved is a relief. It will also help us when we go to apply for large funding options in 2016.
“The more we can show we have raised, the more money we can get.”
The concept video below gives you an idea of how the skate park could look (please note, this is not the final design, just an idea of what could be built). See the artist impression.
https://youtu.be/PsKjvL5EUfY
Not just about the money
Zoe goes on to say,
“When it comes to funding bids, it’s crucial we can show that this facility is wanted and needed on the Island, and we can do this by showing the success of the events we have put on.
“The support for the project has been incredible, people from all over the Isle of Wight and the UK, and even as far afield as America, have been involved.
“A number of skatepark design/build companies have been in touch, because they’ve seen people talking about the park on social media, and that’s a real boost.”
What’s happening behind the scenes?
John Cattle, chairman of the group, lets us know more,
“The whole team have been hard at work. One of things we have been most surprised at is that amount of space we have. It has all been accurately measured and from this we looked at the size of some mainland parks.
“It was at this point we really knew we could have something awesome, as we have a really decent sized area. We want to create a park that is suitable for all abilities, and for whatever wheels you ride, be it BMX, Skateboards, Scooters, Inliners… this really needs to be for everyone, and that’s why we want everyone to get behind it.”
Concept plans
The first draft plans show a basic concept for the space, and also highlight just how much room there is around the current site that is useable for the new park.
John added,
“This is just an example of what is possible, it’s in no way a finished design. We now want people to sign up as members and be involved in the next stage which is the consultation process.
“We’ll be holding events in March and April so people can share their ideas and have an input. This isn’t just about the people of Ventnor, this is for everyone on the Island. We also know that other town councils are showing an interest, so if we can make this work here, we could find other concrete parks getting the go ahead.”
Not just about a skatepark
The Ventnor Skatepark Group are looking at the project as a way of regenerating that area.
Zoe says,
“The last meeting we had was really exciting. Thinking of all the extras beyond that of just the skatepark.
“We are looking at how we can make the best of the area as a whole and have some great people on board who can really add something to project. Elements such as conservation, and additional facilities will be included in the consultation process.”
What’s next?
Zoe said,
“There’s a lot of paperwork to do, and people to speak with, but the enthusiasm and dedication from the committee has been brilliant, so things are speeding up. We will be meeting with skatepark companies in the New Year and have a couple more fundraisers to launch, with some consultation events planned in spring time.”
Want to show your support?
There are a number of things you can do…
Become a member – with Membership at just £5 (or £2 for under 16s) this will not only help build up the evidence for support for the project, but also mean you get kept up to date with all the goings on and behind the scenes action.
Email [email protected] for an application form.
Donate – This one is easy, just head to our GoFundMe page
Buy stuff! – Goddards Wight Trash Pale Ale see’s money from every bottle sold go to the skatepark fund. Available in a number of outlets across the island or directly from Goddards.
Recycled Skate Pens – Handmade from old skatedecks donated by Islanders. Available through Wight Trash shop and Website.
Keep up with what’s going on by following the skatepark on Facebook and Twitter.
