Turf cutting ceremony marks work starting on new skatepark
An official turf cutting to mark the beginning of work on Weymouth Town Council’s new skatepark and parkour facility was held on Tuesday 4th January.
The first turf was cut on site at The Marsh playing fields with Council Leader David Harris and other Westham councillors present including Gill Taylor and Ryan Hope.
The £358,000 park measures 37.5m by 17.5m and is being built by local skatepark company Maverick. The skatepark will include a wide variety of features to provide opportunities for skaters, BMXers and scooter riders to practise their skills in a space that they have helped design. Alongside the skatepark is a separate bespoke parkour area, for the local free running community.
Council Leader David Harris said: “It’s brilliant to see work starting on the ground to build this fantastic outdoor track for Weymouth’s younger residents. Cllrs Ryan Hope, Gill Taylor, Christine James, Alex Fuhrmann and myself, as Westham councillors have worked hard and long for this to happen and so I am delighted the first turf has now been cut.
“The idea behind this was always to create a community space that provides a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. Once complete, people of all ages and abilities will be encouraged to get on their skateboards, bikes and scooters and enjoy being outdoors and getting active.”
Maverick Director Mark Clogg added: “Maverick are excited to be working with Weymouth Town Council on this fantastic facility which we know will be very much welcomed by the local riding community who have been working with our designers to ensure that the park meets their needs.”
Designs for the bespoke facility, produced by Maverick, were put out to consultation last summer with an event held at The Marsh. Feedback received from young people has been incorporated into the final plans.
Planning permission for the scheme was approved last November and work is expected to be completed in May 2022.
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Notes to Editors
Funding has been provided as part of an off-site Section 106 contribution from the Curtis Field development.
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