Superb skateboard park is up and running

Geraint Williams, Alison Turner, Simon Griffiths and their hard-working committee must have felt ten feet tall on Saturday as the long-awaited Pembrokeshire Skate Park was finally opened on land near the Picton Community Centre in Haverfordwest.

It marked the completion of a project that was initiated almost a decade ago and the huge numbers of youngsters on skate boards, cycles, roller blades and scooters bore testament to the need for such a facility in the county.

Great thrill to see it open

“It was a thrill when Stephen Crabbe, our local MP, said a few words,” said Geraint, “and th Superb skateboard park is up and running

en Alison Turner cut the ribbon stretching around the whole skate park with a brand-new set of shears, with the rest of the committee helping in such a pleasurable task.

“Alison had been down at the skate park at 7.30am to put up the ribbon and there were already people using the different aspects of skating carefully designed by Maverick Industries from Dorset.
“They continued until the official opening – and were back in action straight after as part of over 100 skaters and cyclists who used the facility.”

Disappointing start overcome by dedication to the cause

It all seemed a long way from the time when a skate park was first mooted and the initial disappointment when funds were raised for a smaller metal skate park but the Irish company involved let them down.
Geraint, Alison and Simon were joined by the likes of Andy Rees, Lisa Marshall and Cllr Tom Tudor were amongst the group who set the wheels in motion.

“My son Ashley was a nipper then and now he’s 6’4” tall and 23 years old,” Geraint told us, “but we have carried on with the idea as others like Pauline Kirsopp and Sue Walton are amongst those involved.

Complex application for funds

An application for National Lottery Funding required a 55,000-word application and then a Project Proposal of another 50,000 words, both diligently undertaken by Alison Turner over many, many hours. Superb skateboard park is up and running

There was also regular consultation with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents. The group had to raise £55,000 and had a real boost with £22,000 from Narberth Skate Board Association because they supported the idea of a Pembrokeshire Skate Park.

“Our efforts were really boosted by the amazing fund-raising efforts of Mike Davies. He took some youngsters to climb the three peaks and then cycled back and forth across the Cleddau Bridge to raise funds.
“Sadly, Mike couldn’t be with us for the opening ceremony but he’s been brilliant.”

Another part of the complex jigsaw came with the site at the Picton Playing Field, bequeathed by the Picton family for the recreation of the people of Haverfordwest and its surrounding area. This meant discussions with Pembrokeshire County Council, who administer the area.

Construction complete and plans for the future

When construction work started it meant the challenge was almost complete and Conor Ratcliff, one of the top skateboarders, took a daily picture of progress for historical purposes. The addition of floodlights was another link in the chain and so was landscaping of the area.
‘Skate mates’ and ‘bike mates’ have also been trained in first aid and bike, skate and roller blade maintenance, with monthly meetings at the Picton Centre to make sure all is well in the magnificent new facility.

So now the skate park is up and running and the days of boarders racing past startled shoppers near the bus station are thankfully over – and the county town has a terrific facility for youngsters that will be the envy of other counties across the UK!