Who are we?
People’s Parkfield CIC hold a 40-year lease for Parkfield House and Grounds, a site on Paignton seafront and adjacent to the town centre, boasting a Grade II listed Victoria villa, walled garden, stable block, BMX track, skateboard park and surrounding woodland and grounds for the benefit of Paignton residents, centred around provision for Children/Young People and intergenerational community-based projects and activities.
People’s Parkfield CIC is supported by a Steering Group of 10 Community Partner organisations, and two community project boards. We formally took on a lease for Parkfield House and grounds in Paignton, on the 31st August 2023.
The BMX track at Parkfield was designed and built to allow national BMX competitions and events to be held there. It has also supported a thriving local community BMX club. The track is not currently in use due to the need to conduct critical repair work.
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Why are we crowdfunding?
Significant repair work is needed for People’s Parkfield BMX track to be reopened and be considered safe to use. There are areas of tarmac degradation due to a historic inconsistent maintenance, and the track has now been deemed unsafe for use. Torbay BMX Club or any group looking for use of a BMX track are currently unable to use the facilities and no further use can continue until appropriate work has been completed. People’s Parkfield have obtained three quotes from local construction firms for the necessary work, all costing in the range of £80,000. The CIC are now seeking funding from multiple sources, including this Crowdfunder page, to ensure we can obtain the necessary funds, repair the track, add the much needed toilet and changing facilities, and improve external fencing.
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How we’ll spend the money raised
Every penny donated will be spent on track improvements, maintenance, and security. We are aiming to replace external fencing, repair all areas of the track, including the starting hill, and eventually improve track lighting.
The facility desperately requires toilet and changing facilities that would allow school groups to be able to use the track during the day, whilst they will also encourage more females and young riders to the sport and to Torbay BMX Club.
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Community impact
The track will be available to any organisation that can coach and facilitate BMX training and events – beneficiaries will be all Torbay residents and visitors, and in particular younger people.
Torbay BMX club has members from the local area ranging in age from 5 to 60 years old.
The track is suitable for national competitions and elite riders. Events can attract 1400 riders. Hotels, campsites, cafes, restaurants, and other services will benefit financially, helping to provide jobs and opportunities to local residents.
Schools will be able to use the track for PE lessons, introducing more young people to the sport.
With the track back in action, having people using the Parkfield estate will give young people something positive to do. A busy community facility will ensure that the area is kept clean, and safe, helping to resolve anti-social behaviour and rough sleeping the area has attracted over the years.
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How you can play your part
There are three 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. 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!