We're still collecting donations
On the 22nd August 2024 we'd raised £11,348 with 93 supporters in 76 days. But as every pound matters, we're continuing to collect donations from supporters.
Help us build a new skatepark for Twyford - lets support our young people and provide an exciting new facility!
by Friends of Twyford Skatepark & Twyford Parish Council in Reading, Berkshire, United Kingdom
On the 22nd August 2024 we'd raised £11,348 with 93 supporters in 76 days. But as every pound matters, we're continuing to collect donations from supporters.
Help us build a brilliant new skatepark facility for wheeled sports in Twyford!
The existing skatepark...
The current skatepark in Twyford was built almost 2 decades ago and is in need of increasing expenditure for repairs and renovation. The existing facility is unsightly, unfit for purpose and does not cater for the diverse needs of the community.
The skatepark is an important facility in Twyford village that encourages sport, fitness, competition, creativity and an outlet for an energetic youth without any expensive user charges. The Council is keen to provide facilities like this, that can be used by all, whatever their means.
Given the existing design, the ramps are currently being used more to climb on than the intended purpose which is dangerous and attracts antisocial behaviour. A modern, inclusive and experienced approach is now being sought to benefit the wider community and provide a facility everyone can enjoy.
Who Are We?
We are a group of enthusiastic parents, skaters, BMX enthusiasts and scooter riders who have come together with Twyford Parish Council to launch this skatepark project. With the invaluable support of the Council we are looking to raise over £200,000 to fund the construction of a modern concrete skatepark that will cater to the diverse needs of our community. The new facility will include essential amenities such as clear safety signage, spectator benches, accessible ramps, beginner jumps and a tool kit repair station. We want this to be a space for everyone to enjoy!
Thanks to Twyford Parish Council we are well on our way...but we need your help to unlock extra funding. Please help the project by pressing DONATE now.
Photos taken at public meetings ~ February & May 2024
In February we got together and made a wish list for the skatepark and its surroundings. The Council had already gone to tender and are now working with Maverick, who are highly regarded experts in their field, to deliver the new facility.
Why this is important
Whilst our local schools provide excellent facilities for traditional sports including football, swimming and athletics, extreme sports are often overlooked and the opportunity to participate in them are limited. Extreme sports are now included at the Olympics and seen by many as an exciting opportunity to encourage children, who might not follow traditional sports, into a new areas of fitness and recreation.
Providing sports facilities for Twyford's youth is an important aspect of our community and benefits the wider village at large.
What would the new park look like?
The Maverick team will work closely with the skatepark users through social media and workshops. They will help manage everyones expectations and create an exciting design unique to Twyford. Mavericks designers are skilled riders of skateparks and will be able to relate to the user group. They aim to create a design to everyones satisfaction and within budget. It will be suitable for skaters, skateboarders, scooter users, BMX riders and wheelchairs!
This is a concept design to show what our new park could look like.
Much more than a skatepark
A new skatepark would be a valuable addition to our community, strategically positioned near other essential facilities such as the youth club, Loddon Hall, tennis club, play parks, and football pitches. This area is already a popular destination for dog walkers, families going to and from the local schools, and those enjoying the wildflower areas and the Coronation labyrinth. The existing social infrastructure, including benches and a dedicated chatty bench, fosters an environment where people of all ages come together. The skatepark would further enhance this vibrant, communal space, providing a new recreational outlet that complements the diverse activities available in our well-loved public area.
How will we make this project happen and how much will it cost?
The project budget is £200,000 with costs of benches and a tool station on top. We are applying for grants and have the support of the Parish Council. Funds will contribute towards the skatepark and all the extras.
How can you help?
There are four simple ways to help us reach our target, and make this project a reality.
1. Make a Donation! 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! Its not too late!
4. If you want to run your own fundraiser to support us, 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!
Bag a reward!
If you donate a pre-set amount, you might even be in with a chance of claiming a reward from a local business: However, be warned, once the rewards are gone, they're gone! All rewards are to be collected from Twyford.
THANK YOU to our local organisations and businesses that have generously supported our crowdfunder.
Skatepark logo
Local designer and illustrator Sally Castle has been working with The Piggott School pupil Greta to design a logo for the project. The initial concept was based around skateboarding however, it soon developed to reflect the inclusive nature of the skatepark and appeal to its diverse user base. Several drafts of the logo, experimenting with different styles, colours and symbols were shown to the skatepark users. They favoured the simple, clean, legible designs.
Photographed here is Sally and Greta working on the design.
The designs are currently being refined with the help of a graphic designer, also parent to one of the skateboarders. The final version of the logo is developed incorporating a wheel as a central element. The wheel symbolises motion, inclusivity and the different types of users the skatepark serves. The design ensures that skateboarders, scooter riders, BMX riders and wheelchair users all see themselves represented in the logo.
Update: 2nd July 2024
T-shirts, hoodies and tote bags available now on the link: https://phoxydesign.co.uk/collections/twyford-skatepark
All profits go to the project. Designed and printed in Twyford.
Read more about the benefits of a new skatepark in Twyford
Please pledge and share this link to support us!
This project offered rewards