A Skatepark for our Town
Building Skills, Community, and Healthy Futures!
The development of a new skatepark in our town marks an exciting milestone, not just for skaters, but for the whole community. Much more than a recreational space, the skatepark will become a vibrant hub for active lifestyles, youth development, and community connection. It represents an investment in the wellbeing of current and future generations, offering a place where people of all ages can learn, grow, and belong.
Creating a Space for Active, Healthy Living
Skateboarding, scootering, rollerblading, and BMX riding are fun, dynamic ways to stay active. They promote cardiovascular fitness, balance, coordination, and strength. In a world where young people increasingly face the draw of screen time, the skatepark will offer an enticing alternative: a safe place to be outdoors, moving, socialising, and exercising, all without the barriers of cost or membership.
For many, skateparks are the first place they discover the joy of physical activity that’s unstructured, inclusive, and truly accessible. Whether someone is attempting their first push across the concrete or working on advanced tricks, the skatepark will encourage healthy habits that last a lifetime.
Supporting Learning, Resilience, and Personal Growth
Action sports teach valuable life skills that extend well beyond the ramps. Learning to skate involves persistence, patience, and the willingness to try again after setbacks, qualities that build resilience and confidence. The skatepark will provide a dedicated environment where young people can challenge themselves at their own pace and celebrate progress, big or small.
The culture around skateboarding is also one of peer learning. Riders encourage each other, share advice, and celebrate success. This natural mentoring fosters social skills, teamwork, and a sense of belonging. For many young people, the skatepark becomes a second home: a place where they feel supported, motivated, and part of something positive.
A Safe and Purpose-Built Environment
Before the development of the skatepark, riders may have practised in car parks, streets, or other unsuitable areas, raising both safety concerns and difficulties for local residents. Creating a designated, professionally designed skatepark provides a much safer environment for everyone. Smooth surfaces, appropriate obstacles, and clear visibility help reduce the risk of injuries while encouraging more young people to participate.
The new skatepark will also reduce the pressure on other public spaces, ensuring the town remains safe, welcoming, and enjoyable for all.
Strengthening Community Connections
A skatepark is more than a collection of ramps, it’s a meeting place. Parents, children, teenagers, and adults alike can gather to watch, learn, and take part. It provides an inclusive space where different groups come together, strengthening community bonds across ages and backgrounds.
Events such as skate workshops, competitions, and community sessions can further enhance engagement and bring fresh energy to the town. These occasions create opportunities for local businesses, support youth development, and foster a spirit of pride and togetherness.
Boosting the Town’s Appeal and Future Opportunities
Modern skateparks are widely recognised as important community amenities. They attract visitors, enhance local parks, and demonstrate that a town values young people and active lifestyles. Investing in a skatepark shows long-term commitment to creating vibrant, well-rounded public spaces that serve the entire community.
In the future, the skatepark can also become a base for coaching programmes, youth outreach, and partnerships with schools or sports organisations, helping even more people to discover new hobbies and healthy habits.
So, what is currently happening……?
Following the appointment of our partner Maverick Industries Ltd, we hosted a visit to Royal Wootton Bassett to review potential sites owned by the Town Council. There are strict rules with the development and location of a new skatepark, and Maverick Industries Ltd have guided us on this.
Each of our playparks have been assessed, and none are suitable, mainly due to the proximity of houses. An area at Jubilee Lake was also reviewed, but here the space is not sufficient for the design of the skatepark we are considering.
Over the past two years we have had discussions with developers and other landowners, but these options have not led to any firm commitments to either building a skatepark, or allowing a skatepark to be built.
At the Full Council meeting on 12th March 2026, the Chief Officer updated the council on the review of sites, and currently the preferred site is a small area of the 48-acre country park, near the railway line with access via Country Park Way, and the other entrances to the country park.
Our skatepark design questionnaire is currently live, and so far, has received nearly 800 responses; thanks to everyone who has taken the time to complete it.
The Bassett Skatepark Working Group, which includes residents, skaters, businesses and the town council, will meet with Maverick Industries Ltd, on 16th April, to start a review of the initial design suggestions.
On Monday 20th April, Maverick Industries Ltd are hosting a series of design workshops, starting with our local primary schools, then a lunchtime session at Royal Wootton Bassett Academy, an after-school session for Academy students and their parents, followed by an evening design workshop for the wider community.
Once the design of the skatepark is drafted, Maverick Industries Ltd will provide designs to show how a modern skatepark can be integrated into a country park area, as has been created in many other towns across the country, with appropriate landscaping.
A full consultation process will then follow, along with any statutory requirements for the development of a skatepark.
A chance to have a go………….
On Saturday 9th May 2026, we will be holding a pop-up Skatepark with King Ramps including demonstrations by pro-riders. This event will be at The Manor House, Lime Kiln.
More details to follow on this exciting event!
We are very grateful to the Royal Wootton Bassett and Cricklade Area Board for approving a grant towards this event.
It is clear from the engagement that has already taken place, there is plenty of support for Bassett to have a skatepark, and it has been a long-term aim of the Town Council for many many years.
With our Skatepark Working Group, and Maverick Industries Ltd, we will continue the community engagement – and also continuing the work for the funding of the project.
We have started various grant applications and fund raising, we have already received offers of donations from local businesses and residents, which is fantastic, and commitment for funding from a developer. The costs of the project will between £400-500k, so a significant amount of money to raise.
If you are interested in contributing towards the cost of the new Bassett Skatepark, please do contact the Town Council.
A Space Built for Everyone
One of the greatest strengths of a skatepark is its inclusivity. It welcomes all ages, abilities, and styles. You don’t need a team, a coach, or expensive equipment, just a board, scooter, or bike and the enthusiasm to get started.
It is a place where creativity, movement, and community intersect, and where everyone has the chance to grow.
What an exciting project for our town!
Mark Hopkins
Chief Officer
Town Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer (RFO)
