Campaigner and skateboarder Tom Wright, with BMXer Jacob Palmer on the bike, at Kidwells Skatepark.
The planned upgrade to Kidwells skatepark could receive a £10,000 funding boost if other donors step up to the plate.
The old skatepark has become increasingly rundown in the past several years, with some ramps removed due to safety concerns. This means many BMX riders and other users have stopped coming.
RBWM has allocated £200,000 for a new skatepark – which skateboarder and campaigner Tom Wright says will not be quite enough to really make the most of this opportunity.
The skatepark is a community-led project backed by local residents, skaters, BMXers & councillors. It is designed by skaters / BMXers, for skaters / BMXers in collaboration with experts.
It will be a 'modern, inclusive and inspiring' addition to Maidenhead, say the fundraisers, which will 'bring new energy to the park and give young people a place to thrive.'
It will be 'safe, exciting and accessible,' they added – a space to 'stay active, social and creative.'
Read more about the skatepark plans – and why current designs could use some improvements.
The fundraiser has an ambitious £80,000 target - it has fetched £2,000 so far, and Tom is really hoping for more.
He is making ‘a last push’, hoping to rally the town to step up, particularly other local businesses and organisations.
There has also been support from, the Kidwells Park Trust, a charity which supports recreational and leisure facilities in the area.
“Thanks to the Kidwells [Trust], we have now got a fundraiser involved who is reaching out to organisations further afield. So, fingers crossed,” said Tom.
Meanwhile, Shanly Foundation, the charitable arm of Shanly Group, has pledged £10,000 towards the campaign.
The fundraiser is understood to have both a minimum target and a higher, aspirational one – with Shanly’s pledge intended to help push it closer to that upper goal.
A Shanly spokesperson said: “The skatepark in Kidwells Park is a valuable community resource widely used by many but desperately in need of upgrading and improving.
“We wish them every success in their continued fundraising.”
A design for the new skatepark can be viewed at: maverickskateparks.co.uk/maidenhead
Visit the crowdfunding page at tinyurl.com/4chvnbvh
Most read
Archive photo of an entrance to Windsor Great Park.
Conman Darren Crane is serving more than four years in jail (image: Thames Valley Police).
Top Articles
Oak House will support up to three children and young people from the borough in a home-like environment.
Two-thirds of the Royal Borough’s bin collecting workforce look set to take strike action at the end of this month amid a dispute over pay.
A builder has been given a year-long suspended sentence after his negligence caused a house to collapse. 'It was lucky no one was killed,' said the health and safety watchdog.
© Copyright 2024 Baylis Community Media CIC All right reserved
