St Ives Skatepark Project Community, Project News 21/02/2021 by Andrew
Skating has been popular in St Ives since the 1960’s. Before purpose built parks, skaters centred around the town’s carparks with new tricks practiced out on the unforgiving surfaces and makeshift ramps.
St Ives got its first purpose built skatepark in 2004 in an area at Palemon Best. This park proved popular for many years but deteriorated with age. Much better parks began springing up in other Cornish towns and local skaters were traveling out of town while their park became more neglected.
A group of dedicated locals set up a group to regenerate the skatepark, to give it broader appeal and attract new generations of skaters.
With support from St Ives Town Council, in 2020 the group reached their funding target. Designs by internationally renowned Maverick Skateparks were completed, and GOLAY Planning was commissioned to help shape the project towards its consent.
The public funding deadlines for the start on site were incredibly tight. If the project was to succeed, the planning application could not afford to be delayed. Skateparks can prove contentious with neighbours due to concerns of noise and light pollution, and people gathering in large numbers, so our plans made sure of minimal effect to those that live nearest.
Working well with Cornwall’s planning authority, it was a huge relief when the case officer granted consent within just 4 weeks from our submission. The start on site began shortly after, and the park is already taking shape with the crew working through wind, rain and snow to complete by spring 2021.
From an idea in the minds of a few community members, to a world class skatepark, it’s a phenomenal achievement by all involved. I’m proud to have played a small part.
