Skateboard auction to raise funds for new park

Custom-painted skateboard decks are set to be auctioned to raise money towards a new skate park on the Isle of Wight.

Freshwater Parish Council is planning to build the new skatepark and pump track in the village to replace the current wooden-ramp park from 2002, which has reached the end of its life.

Estimated to cost over £300k, the parish council has £200k along with a £20,000 grant from The National Lottery Community Fund and is now raising funds to cover the remaining amount needed to start building.

Island artists have turned over 30 blank skateboard decks into artworks. The decks are being sold online until 9 May.

Freshwater Skatepark is owned, managed, and maintained by Freshwater Parish Council.

Clerk, Kirsty Gibson said: "This project is about more than just fundraising - it's about bringing the community together, celebrating the Island's skateboarding heritage, and creating a facility that everyone can enjoy.

"With the support of local artists and The National Lottery, we are closer than ever to making the skatepark a reality."

The new skatepark will cater to skateboarders, scooters, bikers, roller skaters, rollerbladers, and wheelchair users.

The parish council said is was committed to starting the build this year with planning condition requirements being worked through ahead of construction. Planning permission was granted in 2024.