Let's Build a New Skatepark for Wells
A new skatepark has been designed by the community, for the community, it will be a free, accessible space to empower people of all ages and abilities. It will build confidence, creativity, resilience, friendships and fun through wheeled sports. Now we need your help to make it happen.
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Why We Need a New Skatepark
Wells Skatepark was originally built by a passionate group of local skaters who raised funds to give young people a safe space to ride, connect, and grow. Now, after decades of use, the park has fallen into disrepair. Many ramps have been condemned and removed.
Wells, a city traditionally focused on provision for older generations, is now seeing a growth in young families — especially with recent housing developments. At the same time, wheeled sports like skateboarding, scootering, BMX and roller skating are booming in popularity. But we lack accessible recreational spaces that reflect this shift. We think that the younger generation deserve this facility here and we hope you agree.
“Too many young people feel that Wells only caters for older people. Our current park is sub-standard — skaters now travel to Bath to find a space that works for them.” Philip Welch, Ex-Mayor of Wells
The current park is made of wood and metal. It’s outdated, unsafe, and no longer fit for purpose. The surface is damaged and uneven, the ramps are slippery and sloped, and injury risk is high. Despite this, riders still turn up every day but most now travel outside of Wells to access safe, modern facilities.
“We generally get about 40 skaters, mostly early teens, and they’re constantly asking about a good place to skate in Wells. Right now, there isn’t one — the existing park is too small, steep and dangerous.” Emma, Wells Roller Hockey & Skate Club
(This is the current skatepark with ramps being removed and the rest becoming unsafe and will also soon be removed).
A new skatepark is essential. Not just to replace what’s been lost, but to create a place that supports health, inclusion, creativity, and connection.
“I use the skatepark most days when it’s dry. Skateboarding and scootering are an escape — they help me manage anxiety, depression, and autism. It gives us focus, motivation, and a sense of community.” Young Skater, Wells
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Our Fundraising Goal
We’re aiming to raise £500,000 in total to build the new Wells Skatepark. Through this crowdfunder, we’re inviting the local community to help us reach at least £30,000.
This target is an important step — not only will it go directly toward building the park, but it also helps us show major funders just how much community support there is behind this project. Every donation, big or small, helps bring our vision closer to reality. And of course, if we’re lucky enough to go beyond the target, even better!
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Our Vision
We’re building more than a skatepark. We’re creating a lasting community space, open and accessible to everyone.
Our vision is a large, inclusive, modern park made from high-quality concrete. The design, created with Maverick Skateparks and shaped by community consultation, will blend with the natural landscape and serve Wells and nearby villages, and towns like Glastonbury, Street and Shepton Mallet.
With smooth surfaces, flowing lines and a layout designed by riders themselves, it will be safe, quiet, low-maintenance, and welcoming for all levels — from total beginners to experienced skaters and riders.
“A large concrete skatepark like the one we’ve designed with Maverick would be amazing. Right now, me and my mates have to go to Bath or Bristol to skate properly.” Young Skater
(This is the design created with Maverick through various community consultations)
“Replacing our old metal park with a modern concrete one was a fantastic investment for our town. It’s great to see young and older skaters supporting each other.” Muriel, Town Clerk – Wincanton
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More Than Just a Park
Skateparks change lives — and the benefits reach far beyond the ramps and there is a wealth of research that backs the benefits of skateparks. Our new skatepark will:
• Promote physical activity and healthier lifestyles
• Support mental well-being and reduce stress
• Provide a safe, inclusive space for all ages, abilities and backgrounds
• Serve those often excluded from traditional sports
• Offer an alternative to screen time and anti-social behaviour
• Boost confidence, resilience, and self-expression
• Strengthen community bonds and create intergenerational connection
• Support local businesses through increased footfall
• Leave a legacy for generations to come
“The development of Wells Skatepark will benefit young people, support local businesses and schools, and promote healthy living in the area.” Local Youth Worker
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Community at the Heart
This project was born from community voices, especially young people, calling for a skatepark that meets their needs.
“The benefits this project brings are significant. The Wells community is lucky to have such a dedicated group of volunteers driving this forward.” Haylee, Wells Town Clerk
We’ve run multiple rounds of consultation with local residents, parents, schools, youth workers, and most importantly, the riders. At our latest design workshop, many young people and older riders shared ideas and turned up to help shape the park’s design and get involved.
From the start, this has been a grassroots effort and we’re proud it reflects the people who will use it.
“There’s a clearly demonstrated desire for a better skatepark — and the young people and wider community are showing that in their determination to bring it up to scratch.” Tessa Munt, MP
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Who We Are
We are the Wells Skatepark Community Group, a charitable incorporated organisation led by local volunteers. The support we have had is incredible and includes parents, riders, fundraisers, graphic designers, artists, architects, councillors and professionals from all walks of life — united by one goal: to build a better skatepark for Wells.
We’re supported by Wells City Council, Somerset Council and a growing network of local groups, schools and businesses.
(Some of the community group with Maverick preparing for an evening to share the designs with the community after consultation).
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Progress So Far
Our total fundraising target is £500,000.
So far we’ve raised over £75,000 for the build through community fundraising, gigs, local grants, small trusts, and Section 106 contributions. We’ve also secured funding to take the project through planning and design.
(Skatepark fundraiser with Jack Bessant and the Cheddar Experiment Band)
We’re honoured to be chosen as the Mayor Louis Agabani’s Charity. Louis has initiated an exciting partnership with Wells Art Contemporary to launch a skateboard art auction, featuring boards customised by professional artists. (Watch this space!)
(Louis on the left with Parallel Lines Pink by LEDDY and on the right, the first one completed by Joby Carter)
Alongside this, a growing group of young people are helping fundraise, run our socials and contribute to the design process.
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Why Support This Crowdfunder?
We’re aiming to raise £500,000 to bring this community skatepark to life and every contribution brings us one step closer.
We have an incredible opportunity to create a much-needed large skatepark for our rural community, offering young people from our rural area access to a facility that is currently reserved for those in big cities.
With the growing popularity of skateboarding, especially since its inclusion in the Olympics, there has never been a better time to provide young riders with a dedicated space to develop their skills, build connections, and thrive.
Every pound you donate gets us closer to our goal. But just as importantly, it proves how much this project means to our community and your support does more than raise money — it shows funders, and decision-makers that the community wants and needs this space.
“I never thought I’d be able to do the scooter tricks I can do now, but the park gave me the confidence to keep practising. Everyone is so friendly — I feel like I belong.”Young Scooter Rider, Wells
“As someone who grew up in Wells and now has a young daughter, I know how important it is to have decent areas for youth. There are so few places in the city.” Local Parent
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What Your Money Will Be Spent On
Every penny you give will go directly towards the build of the new concrete skatepark, turning our community-designed vision into a reality. From high-quality materials and skilled construction to landscaping and finishing touches, your support will help create a safe, inclusive, and lasting space for riders of all ages and abilities to enjoy for years to come.
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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!
Thanks for taking the time to read about our project, we will keep you updated.
(Wells skater on the ramps now removed due to being unsafe - lets get this park built!)