Radcliffe-on-Trent’s skate park is being reopened this weekend after the local community raised thousands of pounds to repair its decaying wooden ramps.
The park, on Wharf Lane Recreation Ground, was first opened in 1997, but fell into disrepair last year.
Ageing wood and natural wear and tear from being used so much meant Radcliffe-on-Trent Parish Council had to close it following health and safety fears.
However, local people insisted that they wanted to keep the skate park open, and started a campaign to fund repairs.
Village resident Rosie Hunnam formed part of a skate park committee, which worked to raise the £3,500 needed to fix the ramps.
The 28-year-old said: “We set up a crowdfunding page on JustGiving that raised nearly £3,000.
“Local pubs made donations, and local people that don’t necessarily skate all helped. They might not be users, but people care about it and want to keep it in the community.”
Supporters also held community events, as well as getting support from the parish council and other local organisations.
All of the repair work was done by volunteers, and the park is now in a fit state to be opened in time for summer.
A launch event will be held on Sunday (May 28), with food stalls, a bouncy castle, and music from local DJs. Semi-professional skateboarders from across the country will also be showing off their skills on the new ramps.
Alice Tomlinson, Parish Councillor for Radcliffe-on-Trent, said: “We were overwhelmed by the support of local residents to help re-open it as soon as possible.
“It was a community effort, working together, that demonstrated how loved the skate park is by all.”
Now repairs have been completed, supporters want to improve the park further by upgrading the ramps from wood to concrete.
This will mean more fundraising, as skate parks of this type can cost hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Ms Hunnam added: “We are possibly looking for some funding from Sport England, and we are also hoping that the Borough Council will make a contribution.
“We don’t want a mediocre skate park, we want it to be a flagship for the county.”
