Pro-skateboarder James Threlfall MBE contacted us in January 2020 about Melksham's skatepark, which was originally built in 2004 but had sadly fallen into disrepair. He had campaigned for several years to get it refurbished and extended, with support from Wiltshire Council and various local businesses.
Selwood Housing's stronger communities fund was delighted to provide the last £4,000 required for his skatepark project, which cost a huge £24,500 in total.
The addition of a new half-pipe now provides a safe and separate space for beginners to learn basic moves or others perfecting tricks.
The new improved skatepark provides local young people with a free and accessible outdoor space for various action sports. Since the revamp it has since seen a huge increase in users, which are estimated to have quadrupled!
As a provider of many homes within the surrounding area, we understood the benefit and impact that this could bring to not only our customers' families, but also the wider community.
‘As skateboarding appears in the Olympics in Tokyo for the first time ever, we're seeing a huge increase in the numbers of those taking part in the sport in Melksham, including a great number of girls too in a sport that previously had been very male dominated. It's great to see that people of all genders, ethnicities and backgrounds feel that they are totally welcome to enjoy the space!'
James has been busy planning an official opening for the half-pipe but due to Covid-19 we've not yet been able to celebrate the new addition. However, when the skatepark is re-opened to the public and guidelines allow, we look forward to it!
