MORE than 200 children and parents turned up to celebrate the opening of Watchet’s new £150,000 new wheeled sports park at the Henry Davey Recreation Ground on Saturday (March 14) which provides the town’s youngsters with long-awaited state-of-the art facilities for skateboarders, scooters, and BMX riders.

A spokesperson for the project said: “It was an incredible day for the town and the park was buzzing with excitement from the moment it opened, with young people having a wonderful time in this brilliant new space.

“The scheme has been led by Watchet Town Council, with the park designed and built by Maverick Skatepark Industries, specialists in creating high-quality skate facilities across the UK.

Twelve-year-old Jack Jukes is helped by West Somerset MP Rachel Gilmour to cut a ribbon to declare open the town's new wheeled park.
Twelve-year-old Jack Jukes is helped by West Somerset MP Rachel Gilmour to cut a ribbon to declare open the town's new wheeled park. PHOTO: George Ody. (George Ody)

“Even more impressive, the park was completed three weeks ahead of schedule.”

Funding for the project came from several sources, including a £75,000 grant from the Rural England Prosperity Fund, £49,000 from the Hinkley Point C Community Fund, and £26,000 from the town council.

The transformation of the ageing recreation ground facilities into an ultramodern concrete skatepark was the culmination of five years of campaigning by the town council and the local community to update recreation facilities for the town’s youngsters.

The spokesperson said: “Special mention must go to the town clerk, Jo Grellier, whose hard work and determination in securing funding and driving the project forward helped make this incredible facility a reality.

“The project is already bringing energy, activity, and community sprit to Watchet and is something the town will enjoy for many years to come.”

Joining in the wheeled park fun in Watchet are (left to right) MP Rachel Gilmour, mayor Cllr Loretta EWhetlor, and town clerk Jo Grellier.
Joining in the wheeled park fun in Watchet are (left to right) MP Rachel Gilmour, mayor Cllr Loretta Whetlor, and town clerk Jo Grellier. PHOTO: George Ody. (George Ody)

The park was officially opened with a ribbon cutting by young Watchet resident Jack Jukes, celebrating the community spirit which helped drive the project from its earliest stages.

He was supported by local MP Rachel Gilmour, Watchet Mayor Cllr Loretta Whetlor, and members of the town council.

Cllr Whetlor told the crowd: “What a wonderful turnout for the opening of this amazing new facility Watchet has provided for the community.

“We hope it will be enjoyed for many years to come by our community and visitors whom we look forward to welcoming to Watchet.”

Watchet's new wheeled park has been attracting youngsters of all ages.
Watchet's new wheeled park has been attracting youngsters of all ages. PHOTO: George Ody. (George Ody)

The park was busy from the moment it opened, with live music from Paul Stevens, of the Ellliot’s Touch charity, and demonstrations and lessons from the staff of Minehead Eye, who provided additional skateboards, scooters, and safety helmets.

Instruction was also provided by the Good Habits Skate School, while Avon and Somerset Police officers were on hand to provide free bike tags to help prevent theft.

It was in 2021 that the town council reported to the community that the 20-year-old free-standing ramps in the recreation ground had reached the end of their safe lifespan.

Rather than replacing the equipment, the council asked residents how the space could be improved and a concrete skatepark emerged as an overwhelming preference among young people, families, and advanced skaters in the town.

Over the next year, community consultation sessions were held to refine the proposed design.

These ensured local riders, residents, and young people were able to help shape the layout and features of the new park.

How the Henry Davey recreation ground skatepark previously looked.
How the Henry Davey recreation ground skatepark previously looked. (WTC)

Early design proposals indicated the project could cost more than £300,000, which caused the scheme to be reassessed and a more realistic budget target set which still delivered the type of facility the community requested.

Working with Maverick Skateparks, the design was adapted and successfully reduced to a deliverable sum of £150,000, while still providing a facility designed to meet the needs of Watchet residents and encourage active outdoor play.

A town council spokesperson said: “Throughout the project the council supported the development of the scheme, particularly in relation to health and safety considerations, helping to ensure the final design and operational arrangements would provide a safe environment for riders and visitors.

“Residents are encouraged to ‘watch this space’ for upcoming free skate school sessions during the school holidays with booking details to be announced soon.”