Community invited to help give BoA skatepark funding the final push

The town council is hosting an event on Sunday (July 3) to give the fundraising project the final push. 

So far, the town council and the local community have raised £190,000 – leaving £210,000 still to find for the proposed new facility.

Local people, businesses and groups are invited to the Bradford on Avon Youth & Community Centre at 5pm on Sunday for an update on the skatepark project. 

There will be a short film produced by Bradford on Avon skaters, alongside a short presentation from the Skate BoA volunteers.

The proposed new £400,000 skatepark for Bradford on Avon, designed by Maverick Industries. (Image: Maverick Industries)

A spokesperson for the working group said: "We want this meeting to demonstrate our commitment to providing the town with a skatepark young people from the town and beyond can be proud of. 

“We would love to see individuals, families, community groups and businesses who support the project, at this event.  

“To date, nearly £190,000 has been raised by the Town Council, and the local community, including £7,1100 through a gofundme appeal launched by skater Idris Jones and two friends.

“Speakers will give attendees an update on the project and the opportunities there are for people to offer help volunteering their time, and expertise or by fundraising or donating for the cause. 

“Come and join us for an hour on Sunday, 3 July at 5pm for an update, a chat, and a cold drink.”

The call to arms follows the council’s failure to secure funding from the National Lottery towards the project.

The lottery said the area was already served by skateparks in other local towns, such as Trowbridge. There are also skateparks in Melksham, Warminster and Westbury.

Now the town council wants to reassure residents of its dedication to the project, to which it has already committed £100,000.

Additionally, the local community has raised £40,000, and the Colonel William Llewellen Palmer Educational Charity has granted £50,000 towards the scheme.

It is expected that the total cost of the skatepark designed by Maverick Industries will be around £400,000, including landscaping.

The new skatepark is likely to be located at Poulton Recreation Field and will replace the old skatepark on the site that was demolished after being damaged by vandals.

It is part of a wider scheme to provide outdoors equipment to enable people to exercise themselves and their pets.

To donate to Idris Jones’ appeal, click here.