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£850k Skatepark Boosts Young People's Mental Health
12 Sep
Summary
- A new £850,000 skatepark has opened in Surrey for local youth.
- Over 200 young people influenced the skatepark's modern design.
- The facility offers a free, accessible space for all skill levels.
A new skatepark has been unveiled in Surrey, established to counteract the detrimental effects of the Covid pandemic on the younger generation. The £850,000 facility in Cobham, which opened on Saturday, was conceived by Martin Elbourne, a retired marketing consultant, who aimed to "do something for the children."
Following extensive consultation with over 200 local young people, their input significantly shaped the skatepark's design. This collaborative approach ensured the creation of a facility that addresses the disrupted education, employment prospects, and mental health challenges faced by youth during the pandemic. The skatepark features a bowl, volcano, waves, and curves, designed by Maverick Skateparks, and spans approximately 650 to 700 sq m.
This free-to-use facility is accessible to skateboarders, BMX riders, and wheelchair users of all abilities. Its development was a joint effort involving fundraising, community support, and planning, funded by Surrey County Council's Your Fund scheme, Elmbridge Borough Council, and various donations. The project was completed at the end of August and officially handed over to Elmbridge Borough Council.
