Southwell Town Council’s Jamie Bostock launches Crowdfunder to fund pool steps and bowl corner in new state-of-the-art skatepark
A £10,000 Crowdfunder has been set up to help deliver a new state-of-the-art skatepark suitable for all ages and abilities.
Jamie Bostock set up the Crowdfunder on behalf of Southwell Town Council, which aims to fund pool steps and a bowl corner for a new skatepark in the town.
The new skatepark, designed by Betongpark, comes at a cost of over £100,000 — predominantly funded by grants — and replaces the previous run-down facility on the Park Lane site.
The new design includes a range of durable, concrete ramps and half-tunnels.
A statement on the Crowdfunding site said: “We are on the edge of a new era of skating in Southwell. But, the plans can only reach their fullest potential if the community throw their weight, and some generous donations, behind the project.”
Construction of the new park is already underway, with the earthworks now complete — but the extra £10,000 is needed to fund the full design and ensure it is made as suitable as possible for skaters of all ages and abilities.
If the full amount is raised, a further £3,000 will be added by Sport England which will also be invested into the park and wheel-sports opportunities in the town.
Jamie said: “I think it is really important for a rural community like ours to give young people an opportunity to engage in all different kinds of sports.
“As a newly elected councillor it gave me the opportunity to invest my time in something which is going to last in the town.”
It is hoped the fundraiser will not only help fund the design elements, but allow residents to feel they have contributed to the park and made it their own.
“What we really need is for people to pitch in to have the pool steps and bowl corner,” Jamie added.
“We want to have sessions there with Skate Nottingham, and so we need to make sure we have a skatepark they can use for training for all levels.
“We want this to be something that will last for the community, and for them to feel they have a stake in it.”
As well as skateboarding, the facility aims to provide a safe space for young people to socialise as it will be well lit and have seating available — and it is outdoors which is good for mental health, Jamie added.
It is also conveniently located near the leisure centre and Minster School.
The project has been an effort between Southwell Town Council and the Friends of Southwell Parks, who have supported and pushed for the project from its inception.
You can support the project by making a pledge on the Crowdfunder page — www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/southwellskatepark — sharing the page on social media, or running your own fundraiser.
Businesses can also get involved by donating prizes which can be given to supporters — some of which are already up for grabs in return for donations.
Once completed the skatepark will be managed by Southwell Town Council, but will be a free-to-use facility in the town.
