Falmouth Skatepark Project

Aim

Make Falmouth's Dream Skatepark a Reality.

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for us to create something spectacular together for young people in our community and for  future generations of Falmouth residents. It will be forever free to access and use by anyone living in or visiting the area- there are so few opportunities for free fitness and social activities -this is a real, tangible investment in our future. It will be maintained by Falmouth Town Council.

Why Support Us?

We are already partially funded and need to raise a further  38,000 to unlock our final fund stream to actually build the dream of a large open flow skatepark for all ages and abilities to use for wheeled sports. We have funding applications in for small local pots and need to raise  20,000 of this amount from our crowdfunder. Your money will demonstrate community support and be used for the build- real life physical parts of the park!

The Largest donator will have the honour of cutting the opening ribbon of the park!

Every penny counts, every bit of support counts and we appreciate it so very much.

This is definitely one of the most exciting and progressive facilities in the UK.

It will be a nationally/internationally significant space and the perfect training ground for future Olympians!.

History

In February 2010 A Falmouth School boy's campaign to create a skatepark to rival the best in the country started to gather momentum.

Mikey Cartlidge and his best friend Zyam King won the support of more then 2,000 skateboard fans through his face book page and then took his campaign to Falmouth Town Council to begin negotiations for a new and improved skatepark.

The then 13 year old said 'There is no where really to skate in Falmouth! The current park is in such bad condition that local skaters deem it to be dangerous and not safe to skate!'

Mikey's campaign caught the attention of adult skateboarders who came on board to support Mikey and his campaign. A committee was soon formed and Chaired by Alex Brinnen and supported by Falmouth Town council.

The Need

Falmouth/Penryn has the largest youth population density in all of Cornwall, yet we have the least amount of facilities for young people. With over 1000 new homes being built, it is very important that we provide social and active  play spaces for our young and growing population.

Skateparks or Wheeled parks are spaces for people of all ages and we are are now at a unique point in history were for the first time skating is now a world class and family activity with older skaters having their own children and teaching them how to skate, BMX or scoot- our park has also been designed to include space for wheelchair users to play.

Skateparks also provide a safe place for activities off the street ... users take ownership of the space and look after it and the people within it. Kids learn to cohabite spaces with safe adults- they learn etiquette and social skills not to mention the obvious health benefits. The unique position of the park between the Dracaena center and its outstanding support services and its close proximity to our local police station, means that support is readily available for our people. We have also put in an application to provide a full time youth worker to engage with potentially vulnerable young people using the facilities.

Large visionary projects like this, also provide huge benefits for tourism for the town and also attract larger companies to come down and put on skateboard tours bringing with them professionals skater/role models to show and inspire kids as well as entertain and wowing spectators.

The UK is inspired by Englands incredible success in 2022 commonwealth games and particularly in cycling not only did we come 2nd over all in the medal tables but 19 of those medals came from cycling. Kids need a safe place to learn how to ride a bike and other wheeled vehicles. Skateparks provide a great place for children to learn balance and master small balance bikes which allows them to progress onto bigger bikes with pedals. Our park has been design with a specific area for children (and adults) to learn the basics in all wheeled sports. It comprises of a large flat area with small features to go around and or ride, scoot or skate over. This is the perfect area to develop early balance and motor skills

The Plan

12 years later after a lot of effort and local support, we have secured planning permission to build a world class Skatepark- the 3rd largest in the county and one of the most exciting and progressive facilities in the UK.

It will be a nationally/internationally significant space and the perfect training ground for future Olympians!.

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We plan to complete the project in 3 stages:

1. Ground work

2. Skatepark build

3.Parking and road infrastructure

Phase 1- Funding Complete and Ground work is due to start by April 1st 2023 to install drainage and compact the bund of earth retained onsite currently, to create the secure and stable base needed to build the park on. 

Phase 2- (2023-4) Thanks to our funders to date - Section 106, CIL, Falmouth Town Council, Various Elected members community chests and small funding pots plus YOU our awesome community, it now looks realistic that we can build the skatepark this financial year if we can clearly demonstrate the will and need of the community in Falmouth to unlock our final funding offer. Supporting the Crowdfunder is an excellent way to show our commitment to unlock the final funds to make this dream a reality.

As part of Phase 2 we will install temporary car parking provision using environmentally friendly matts that will ensure that wildlife has space to grow and flourish, alongside visitors to the Skatepark and Dracaena center having safe access by car. There is also a bus stop immediately alongside the park.

Phase 3-  will be completed at a later date once the asset is in place.

Your money will be used to create the many varied parts of the park, that are created from steel then a large pour of concrete- so each pound is maybe an inch of surface?!

Thank you for considering our project for your hard earned cash and thank to everyone that has donated and contributed so far.

Full Story Here:

This project successfully funded on 25th April 2023