Kidwells skatepark set for refurbishment after extra funding is approved

A skatepark in Maidenhead, which has been ‘in significant decline’, will be fully refurbished after councillors agreed to put forward the extra funding needed.

The skatepark in Kidwells Park has long been used by residents of different ages, including BMX, scooter and skateboard users.

But the leisure facility has been in need of a full refurbishment for a long time, which is expected to cost around £355,000.

At a meeting yesterday (Tuesday), the council’s cabinet – acting as trustees of the Kidwells Park charity – agreed to put forward £143,575 towards the improvements.

Councillor Mark Wilson, the cabinet member for neighbourhoods, leisure and performance, said this extra funding will come from the Kidwells Trust fund.

Cllr Wilson (Lib Dem, Eton and Castle) said: “The skatepark at Kidwells has been very popular and has been very heavily used and it’s certainly a key leisure facility in the centre of Maidenhead.”

But he recognised it had been in ‘very significant decline’.

“This [extra funding] will make a significant difference to Kidwells Park. It will uplift a very valuable amenity – make it look and perform a lot better,” he added.

All of the metal ramps at the skatepark will be replaced as part of the refurbishment, making the leisure facility fully concrete – a more long-lasting surface.

Other sources of funding have also been previously agreed to bridge the remaining gap in the overall budget that is needed.

The Royal Borough allocated £200,000 towards the planned improvements from developer contributions.

The Shanly Foundation, the charitable arm of the Shanly Group, has also pledged £10,000.

Tom Wright, a skateboarder and campaigner, started a crowdfunder last year and raised around £2,000 for the skatepark.

Speaking at the York House meeting, Mr Wright said he has been using the skatepark since it was first built 30 years ago and thought its refurbishment would be ‘incredibly valuable’.

He said: “About four years ago I was using it and realised how bad it was getting, in terms of the quality of the ramps and [the] deterioration.

“At the moment the skatepark doesn’t look that inviting to be quite honest.

“I think it would be incredibly popular and important for the community and of course the future because this could last 30 years – more probably.”

The park is managed and maintained by the council’s neighbourhood services team, with officers due to lead the refurbishment project, a report that was presented to councillors said.