The old skatepark was built in 1997 using steel & wood construction and although it was very popular initially, this old style wooden and metal ramps with tarmac ground has many disadvantages. It’s expensive to fix, gets damaged easily and if it’s just slightly wet it’s very slippery. It is also badly designed, with not many skating areas for younger kids and beginners.

Due to it’s position by the sea and a lack of maintenance over the years, many of the ramps became badly corroded and unsafe to ride.  Without community action all of the ramps would have been removed making the skatepark unusable.

Many of us first learned to ride here over 20 years ago and bring our own kids to the skatepark to make friends and have fun. We benefited so much from this fantastic community facility, so were determined to rebuild it for the next generation.

The aim was to replace the old skatepark with a state of the art concrete skatepark, which will be quieter, safer and more fun for everyone.

We set up a community action group to lead the campaign called The Hayling Skatepark Project.   Working in partnership with Havant Borough Council, The Regeneration Team and many other local stakeholder groups we raised over £215k from donations, fundraising events and grant schemes to make our vision for the park’s future a reality. 

We are a ragtag bunch, but with big hearts and big ambitions. We welcome anyone who wants to get involved.

Phase 1 of the project is now complete but we have big plans for phase 2.  We have listened to what the community need and have seen what they can deliver. For more on phase 2 WATCH THIS SPACE!