Around 10 years ago a group of young people met together at the youth club to discuss a campaign to get a skatepark built in Newent. At the time scooting was very fashionable and some of these young people were very serious about their hobby. They began to fund raise and approach the council, various meetings were held but no decision was ever taken regarding where the skatepark should go or how it could be funded. Some years later following the tragic death of a local young man the campaign was re-energised and more funds were raised and this time designs were drawn up but sadly still no decisions were taken by the powers that be and the despondent young people gave up.

Then there came a wide consultation from the local council regarding the use of recreation land on Meek Road. Many people requested a skatepark be built on the land and there was even an allocation made on the council plans but no funds were provided for a skatepark to be built.

Now in 2020 there is another group of young people aged 11 to 19 who are passionate and driven. They wish to finally realise the plan to build a successful skate facility in the town and have formed a Multi-wheeled Skatepark committee. The idea is to have a high-class facility which is suitable for bikes, boards, scooters and wheelchair users. The park should be built of long-lasting durable concrete which is low maintenance and low sound. Discussion is underway with a skatepark company to ensure the design meets all needs and hopefully includes coin operated flood lights and cctv.

The committee has written to the town, district and county councils and our MP asking for support. The councillors are helping us to acquire 106 funds from the local housing developers which hopefully, will be a large portion of the £100,000 we need. There are numerous other funding applications in the pipe line and local fundraising events planned for the spring.

Newent Initiative Trust has agreed to help the committee apply for funding and keep safe any monies raised until it finally gets spent.

The young people of Newent really deserve a high quality multi-wheeled skatepark, one that the whole town will be proud of.