COBHAM CROWDFUNDER
We need YOUR help to transform the unsafe and outdated Cobham Skatepark at the Leg O'Mutton field into a state-of-the-art community facility, where young people can thrive, socialise, and develop new skills in a safe and inclusive environment.
Who are we?
We are a small group of local residents, acting on behalf of the predominately younger generation of skatepark users. Our aim is to raise funds to replace the old, rapidly deteriorating ramps with a world class skatepark facility, which will cater for the diverse needs of our community, from beginners to the experienced, inclusive of those with disabilities.
This project is more than just a Skatepark. It's a response to the challenges faced by our youth. We believe that during and post Covid our younger generation in particular suffered disproportionately: their education, employment prospects, mental and physical health, in addition to their social well being, were all negatively impacted. The facility we are proposing will address many of these issues, particularly where provision in our area for this section of our community is sadly lacking.
We established the Cobham Village Partnership Community Interest Company (CIC) to provide the legal and compliance backing to our project. Following a competitive tendering process, we selected Maverick Industries as our key partner in delivering a new skatepark. We have involved over 200 skaters in the design of the proposed new skatepark (an animation of which is shown below), and secured the required planning permission, with close to 200 individuals registering their support during the successful planning application process.
Our local council, on whose land the new skatepark would be built, are fully supportive of the project as are other local community groups including schools, churches and the Police.
Why are we crowdfunding?
Your support is crucial in helping us to unlock funds for the Skatepark from other funding sources. These Crowdfunder donations from you, our local community, are invaluable in demonstrating to the large funding organisations including, Surrey County Council's Your Fund programme and Sport England, the urgent need for this facility for the people in Cobham and Surrey as a whole.
All money raised through crowdfunding will be used towards the cost of building the proposed new skatepark.
Community impact
Apart from offering a free recreational outlet which will promote physical activity and bolster mental well being for individuals of all ages, our new skatepark will encourage children who might not follow traditional sports into new areas of fitness and recreation.
The proposed skatepark surface will produce much less noise for local residents than the current park, and with its planned landscaping, raised banks and colour scheme will provide an attractive addition to the surrounding park area.
Local businesses will benefit from the predicted increased footfall generated by our new facility, as it is likely to attract users from not only the local Borough but also from across the County: it will be the only skatepark of its type in the region.
Our skatepark will provide opportunities for local businesses to become involved through sponsorship of a range of events, workshops and projects - all of which will not only increase community cohesion, but also reduce social isolation in the community.
In addition to catering for the needs of skateboarders, BMX riders, scooters and wheelchair users alike, the new skatepark will also incorporate facilities for learners and obstacles to challenge the more experienced skaters.
Having involved over 200+ skaters in the design of the new skatepark and by delivering a safe and engaging facility, we aim to mitigate anti-social behaviour and cultivate a sense of community belonging.
It would be great if you could make a pledge and also share this link.
Many thanks.
How you can play your part
There are four simple ways to help us reach our target, and make this project a reality.
1. Make a pledge. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!
2. Spread the word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.
3. Offer rewards. Get involved if you are a local business by donating things we can offer to our supporters. We will give you a shout out!
4. Fundraise for us. If you want to run your own fundraiser – maybe a sponsored activity or similar – use the 'contact project' button at the top of our page to let us know. Setting up your own page only takes a few minutes and you won’t need any bank details. Just a fun idea!