£118,000 inclusive skatepark coming to Great Shelford
A new inclusive skatepark is coming to Great Shelford - and it is hoped it will open by the spring.
A grant of more than £97,720 from FCC Communities Foundation, combined with more than £20,000 raised by community charity Great Shelford Playscape, will fund the hub on the village recreation ground.
Fitting in alongside the popular Playscape - a playable landscape for all ages and abilities that opened in 2021 - and beside the tennis courts, the new skatepark is designed to be approachable for novices but exciting for experienced skaters.
Specialist skatepark contractor Bendcrete has worked with the community, including representatives from the Shelford and Stapleford Youth Initiative to design the ‘wheelscape’ for skateboards, bikes, scooters, skates and wheelchairs alike.
Great Shelford parish councillor John Stanton, trustee of Great Shelford Playscape Charity, said: “We used to have a wooden quarter pipe which was challenging to maintain and users told us wasn’t fun to ride.
“We have waited a long time for this part of the Playscape master plan that Great Shelford Parish Council adopted many years ago.
“We’re delighted that the FCC Communities Foundation has embraced our vision for an inclusive wheeled sports area and awarded us this money.
“With BMX and skateboarding now recognised as Olympic sports, the ability to start your sporting journey at your local recreation ground is invaluable. In addition, we know that it encourages young people to meet together and be active outdoors, which is great for their mental health.”
He believes it will prove popular with all age, and particularly those of secondary school age.
With construction due to start in early 2024, and expected to take around eight weeks, plus time for grass and planting to bed in, it is hoped the first skating and biking jam could take place in spring 2024.
The low level hard landscaped area will feature four ramps, two camel humps, a rainbow rail and a pier 7.
Penny Horne, FCC Communities Foundation grant manager, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting the Great Shelford Wheelscape project and pleased our funding will provide such a fantastic community facility within Great Shelford.
“FCC Communities Foundation is always happy to consider grant applications for projects that make a difference to local communities and we’re really looking forward to seeing this one take shape soon.”
FCC Communities Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation awarding grants from funds donated by FCC Environment through the Landfill Communities Fund.
