We’re rolling into the weekend… at the newly completed Falmouth Skatepark!

28 June 2024: Falmouth Town Council is delighted to announce the early completion of the long-awaited Falmouth Skatepark. Officially signed off by inspectors this morning, the new skatepark at Dracaena playing fields is now open for use by wheeled sports enthusiasts – just in time for the start of the summer holidays.

The Falmouth Skatepark, driven by the passionate efforts of the Falmouth Skatepark Project Committee and spearheaded by Falmouth Town Council, has been a community dream of over 15 years in the making. It is the result of years of dedicated fundraising efforts by the Skatepark Project, supported by generous donations from local groups and businesses including Sessions Surf & Skate Shop, Falmouth and Penryn Lions Club, and Cornish Holiday Cottages. These contributions, alongside funding from Falmouth Town Council and a game-changing £145,000 grant from The National Lottery Community Fund, the UK’s largest community funder, have enabled the achievement of this long-awaited community asset.

Thanks to Falmouth Town Council’s collaboration with Maverick Skateparks, the skilled industry specialists responsible for the design and build, the skatepark has been completed well ahead of its initial August 2024 deadline. Skateboarders, scooters, roller-skaters, and in-line skaters of all ages and abilities are now welcome to experience the excitement of this state-of-the-art facility with immediate effect.

Councillor Kirstie Edwards joined fellow Falmouth Skatepark committee members and Falmouth Town Council’s Ground’s Manager, Simon Penna, who oversaw the delivery of the project, at the skatepark this morning for the official sign-off from the inspectors. She expressed her joy, saying,

” We are absolutely thrilled that the Falmouth Skatepark is now open. If dreams were made of concrete, this park would be the ultimate dream come true. It is the culmination of years of effort to bring this much-needed asset to the town and I am so proud of what the Falmouth Skatepark Project and the community has achieved. Thank you to everyone who has worked so hard on this project and to Maverick for their expertise in creating such an amazing park. I cannot wait to come back over the weekend and see it buzzing with activity.”

The Town Mayor, Councillor Alan Rowe, also expressed their delight:

“This opening marks another exciting milestone in Falmouth Town Council’s commitment to enhancing recreational facilities for our community, which already includes the Pump Track at Trescobeas and the outdoor gym at Dracaena. A huge thank you must go to my fellow Councillor Kirstie and the Falmouth Skatepark Project Committee for their dedication and commitment to seeing this project through to fruition. I’m certain this skatepark will be a magnet for Falmouth’s young people and young at heart. What a fantastic new addition to our town and I can’t wait for the ‘Skatefete’ event in September!”

While the skatepark is now open for use, some final touches of this phase of the project are still to come:

Planting of the banks and surrounding land: Grass seed, wildflowers, and trees will be planted on the brown banks and scrub land surrounding the park in the autumn, in line with the planting seasons. Until then, we ask users to be mindful of these areas. Brooms will be available to help keep any excess soil that may make its way into the skatepark off the concrete.

New Public Toilet: Currently, there are no public toilets available at the Dracaena playing fields. We are working in partnership with the Dracaena Centre to convert one of their existing toilets into a public toilet accessible during and outside of the centre’s opening hours and hope that this facility will be ready before too long. More information will follow on this in the coming weeks.

Seating: As part of the original proposal, new seating will be provided around the skatepark by the end of the summer, subject to the supplier’s availability to install.

The final phase of the skatepark project will involve creating a turning circle and improved two-way access to the car park. Due to the costs involved, this will require additional funding. Falmouth Town Council and the Falmouth Skatepark Project are exploring all possible funding opportunities to complete this last stage.

Lastly, an official opening, ‘Skatefete’ event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 7th September 2024. This community event, open to everyone, will include live music, a skating competition, food and drink, art activities led by Falmouth Art Gallery, a football penalty challenge, and more. Any community groups interested in participating in the forthcoming ‘Skatefete’ are encourage to get in touch with the Falmouth Skatepark Committee through their Facebook page.

In the meantime, make sure you’re following Falmouth Skatepark Project‘s Facebook page for updates on everything related to the skatepark, including details of forthcoming coaching sessions and of course the upcoming ‘Skatefete’.

Notes to Editors

About Falmouth Town Council: Falmouth Town Council (FTC) is recognised nationally for its commitment to partnership working, accessibility and sustainability. Through strategic collaborations like the Falmouth Skatepark it ensures inclusive initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life for all of Falmouth’s residents and visitors.