Skate Langport

“Skateparks encourage youth to develop healthy, active lifestyles.  Research shows that skateboarding and the communities that form at skateparks help young people build connections that benefit their socio-emotional well-being. Skateparks are also havens for diversity, where youth of all backgrounds gather and connect through their common love of the sport”  -  Tony Hawk.

Introduction

Funding is currently being sought for the construction of a skate park in Langport, Somerset.

The project is being undertaken by Skate Langport, a charitable organisation whose trustees consist of local residents and business owners.  The project has been created following a community survey undertaken by Langport Town Council and Huish Parish Council. The survey illustrated a desire from the local community to create a facility for local skaters in Langport.

Our skatepark will: 

• Provide a Safe Space

By creating a designated area where skateboarders, BMX riders, and rollerbladers of all ages and abilities can practise and enjoy their activities safely, reducing the likelihood of injuries and conflicts with pedestrians.

• Promote Physical Activity

By encouraging physical activity among the youth and community members contributes to improved physical and mental health and well-being.

• Foster Community Engagement

By creating a community hub where people of all ages and backgrounds can gather, socialise, and participate in a shared interest.

• Reduce Vandalism and Anti Social Behaviour

By providing a dedicated, accessible space that is welcoming to all.

Background

The youth and community members of Langport and Huish Episcopi have expressed a growing interest in action sports, particularly skateboarding, BMX riding, and rollerblading. Despite the increasing popularity of these activities, there is currently no designated space for these sports locally, which forces enthusiasts to use public spaces, often leading to safety concerns and conflicts with other community members. Or having to travel to the closest skate park, 4 miles away and not well serviced by public transport, making it difficult to access for most young people.

To address this need, we propose the construction of a skatepark that will serve as a safe, accessible, and inclusive space for the community.

Location

After carefully considering potential sites and working closely with Langport Town Council and Huish Episcopi Parish Council, we have identified a space at the centrally located Langport and Huish Memorial Field.  Accessible by foot, bike and on the bus route from local villages and within safe walking distance of both the primary and secondary school which have a combined student population of 1750.  The site is large enough to offer a variety of features and is close to other recreational items such as the MUGA (multi-use-games-area), football pitch (with new changing rooms due 2025), scout hut, a children's play area and a social club.  We believe this makes the site an ideal location.

Design

Initial designs have been created in consultation with Maverick Skateparks and the local skate community to ensure we have a skatepark designed to cater to a wide range of ages and skill levels, from beginners to advanced riders.

Maverick (https://www.maverickskateparks.co.uk/) is a skater-run business specialising in the design and installation of spray concrete skateparks.  They have installed some of the best skateparks in the UK and push the boundaries to continually improve the design and quality of UK skateparks. 

Key Features will include:

• Quarterpipe Extension 1800mm high
• Quarterpipe 1200mm high
• Half Taco 1200mm high
• Round Grind Rail 300mm high
• Hipped Quarterpipe 1200mm high
• Hipped Flatbank 600mm high
• Euro Gap 450mm high
• Hubba Ledge 500-650mm high
• Cut-out Gap in 600mm Flatbank
• Bank to Ledge 600mm high
• Hubba Ledge 500-650mm high
• Penny Flatbank 1650mm high
• Grind Ledge 350mm high
• Spine Ramp 1200mm high
• Rollover 500mm high
• Freestanding Quarterpipe 1800m
• Mini-Ramp / Quarterpipe 1200mm

Maintenance

Public skateparks are a self-governing space.  Most of the time, the space manages itself thanks to the stewardship of local skaters.  A contemporary concrete skatepark designed and built by professionals should be relatively maintenance-free.  

Budget

The estimated budget for the skate park:

• £160,000 - quotation from Maverick Skateparks for the design and build of a skate park at the agreed site.
• £9,000 - Security and lighting
• £18,500 - Accessibility
• £3,000 - Initial staffing
• £2,000 - Online presence 
• £2,000 - Planning 
• £1,600 - Spectator seating
• £3,000 - Accounting
• £7,000 - Buffer
• £42,220 - VAT

TOTAL REQUIREMENT: £247,320

So far, we have secured limited Section 106 funding (Section 106 funding is for community projects and is paid by the relevant construction company when a new housing development is built) as well as a siginificant donation from a local charity who wish to remain anonymous:

• S106 monies: £35,000
• Donation from a local charity: £41,000

Funding Sources

• S106 and Grant Funding
• Sport England, Arts Council and charitable organisations 
• Crowdfunding and donations
• Local businesses 
• Fundraising
• In-Kind Contributions: Donations of materials, labour, and services from local contractors and businesses.

The skate park project has already garnered significant support from the community, youth group, town council and businesses. The park will provide a much-needed outlet for young people (and old skaters too!) and will reduce the use of inappropriate public spaces for skating, and enhance the overall vibrancy and appeal of Langport. It will also serve as a venue for events and competitions, boosting local businesses and tourism.

The proposed skate park represents an important investment in the well-being, safety, and community spirit of Langport and Huish Episcopi. We believe that this project can become a reality with the support of the community, local businesses, and our town councils.