Exciting plans for a new state-of-the-art skatepark in Freshwater — which could be the first of its kind on the Island — have been submitted to the Isle of Wight Council.
Freshwater Parish Council is behind plans for a new skatepark and pump track for skateboards, BMX riders, scooterists and more at the Stroud Recreation Ground in the village.
It says both the concrete skatepark and the tarmacked pump track would be the first of their kind on the Island and have a range of obstacles and elements.
The tracks have been designed by Gravity Skateparks, which hopes the new and improved facilities will be used more while also reducing anti-social behaviour.
The plans have been in the making since 2021 and have now been formally submitted for approval to the Isle of Wight Council before any further work can start. The parish council hopes the track will enhance recreational space in the village, with something that is welcoming and inclusive for all, helping riders to improve and develop their skills.
It also hopes rising star athletes in the West Wight, who are currently competing at national and international levels, would be able to use the tacks, giving them a place to train while encouraging and inspiring future generations
The plans have been supported by Hamish Fleming, owner of the Canopy Skatepark in Chale, and John Cattle, over of Wight Trash Skateboards and head coach of his own skate club.
Both said the new tracks would be a valuable asset for the West Wight area and beyond, having an immeasurable impact as a safe space for people to try new sports and create a community hub to make friends.
Seating is also proposed nearby and along with landscaping, will provide a pleasant environment, the parish council says.
It said riders can be part of the community rather than separate from it, like the current skatepark which is hidden away and financially unviable, due to wear and tear damage. You can view the plans, 23/01636/FUL, on the Isle of Wight Council’s planning register. Comments can be submitted until 27th October .
Be great to have somewhere for kids to go and play. Just hope it doesn’t get vandalised by mindless yobs!
What an example of what NOT to do. The tax credit charity kept low life’s feral clones are vile and so are rewarded by thick councillors THINKING this will appease them.
Wrecked within a month.
Waste of our money.
Agreed. Rewarding generation ‘entitled’ for being a pain in the arse around the village. Ffs.
I feel sorry for those living nearby in School Green Road having to listen to the noise, and if it’s like the old skate park, then the repeated vandalism.
I wonder what will happen to the land where the old skate park is.? That was incredibly noisy of a summers eve.
Well done Freshwater! They had issues with antisocial behaviour, and to give the youth somewhere to go and have fun is exactly what’s needed!
What’s needed is parents who can bring up their feral offspring properly instead of turning them out on the streets to cause trouble.
Nice!
I picked up skateboarding in my 30s to improve my balance and coordination, and I love it.
Plus a quick shop run for a missing butter has never been so fun!
But we need more good places. East Cowes skatepark for example is a death trap the way it was designed. From the design, this one looks miles better with long fail zones! And has a pump track as well.
All the kids I’ve met hanging around were cool and respectful lads and lasses, interested in the board, asking for other places to skate, asking for tips or giving me one (since so many are way better than me!) and it’s an awesome way to make kids feel part of the community, not some unwanted add-on to the pensioner island.
Err sounds a bit dodgy hanging around a kids skate park in your 30s.
Deffo. He was asked for a tip and was then given one, that does sound dodgy.
A grown man should not be using a skateboard and deffo should not be using the words ~ awesome, way better, or cool.
I am surprised that he is not feeling stoked too.
It is unsurprising that the four supportive comments so far on the planning application are from people who do not live in Freshwater.
I remember reading the story last year and many Freshwater folk were against it as it was their money being spent on building it.
This will be a noisy hang out area, and constant vandalism.
It should be built outside of the Parish Councillors houses and see how they like it.
Skateboarding was quite popular in the 70s but who does it now? Maybe some sad men in their 30s and 40s but I never see kids skateboarding. Freshwater council must be living in the 70s. They probably can’t wait to get out of the meetings so they can rush home to watch the Six Million Dollar Man.
A grown man should definitely let a random commentator on the Internet define what being a grown man means 😉
If you knew anything about skating you’d know that all ages are excepted.
My dad is nearly 60 and skated with all the great names ( lance, tony, steve) .
He cant skate anymore due to a bad motorbike accident, but he will still go as its one of the small pleasures in his life.
All the great names, like ~ Lance Alot.? Tony Blackburn.? Steve Austin.?
Another splendid example of greenfield vandalism.
Loads of moaning miserable sods on here get a grip . Whether there are bad teens or not there will be those who this will benefit dramatically and can change a kids life for the better. And kudos to the 30 year old “dude” I’m nearly 41 and I’d dig out my BMX for a rip around like the good old days . It’s called living you mongos. Just because it’s not your thing don’t poss on other peoples enjoyments. Flipping sad ! And this looks like a concrete park so hard to vandalise other than a bit of tagging . But I bet that would leave a sour taste in your mouths too. If you don’t like it move perhaps .
What a bunch of inbreds. Clueless, just spouting rubbish as usual. Nothing better to do than be negative about something good that’s happening to the island.
The new concrete park will be amazing for everybody of all ages!
Also it’s pretty hard to break concrete so the upkeep is minimal.
A skate park. It is a skate park. A poxy skate park and that is it. Sorry that I am not impressed but it is a skate park. A skate park for kids and men with mid-life crises. Did Freshwater council ask local children what they want or was the decision based on a survey conducted in 1978? What do kids actually want these days?
Sounds like somebodies stuck in the 70’s. Skateboarding and BMXing are Olympic sports and a multi billion pound industries.
Freshwater town council had plenty of meetings and events for people to talk about what was being built.
No mid life crisis here gramps, been skating since I was 13 and have never stopped.
it was actually designed and proposed by the local skaters. There is a heathily growing community on the island who enjoy the sport, and need a proper space to be able to use it (as most other parks on the island are bordering on unsafe). Skating is not just a children’s hobby and people of all ages use it- look at the level in brighton, concrete waves in Newquay or many of the london parks. This has been well-needed on the island for several years and encouraging physical activity and community is so relevant in today’s age of screens. Just because it isn’t for you doesn’t mean you need to criticise