Building work on a brand new skate park at The King’s Field in Hampton Wick has been completed and the site will be officially opened by the Deputy Mayor, Cllr Rita Palmer, on Saturday 14 May, after skaters, BMX riders and inline skaters worked with the Council and Richmond Youth Partnership to plan what type of ramps and jumps they wanted.
Richmond Council and Richmond Youth Partnership secured the funding for the site, to replace outdated equipment which was removed in October 2010 in preparation for the new site to be created.
Cllr Virginia Morris, Richmond Council’s Strategic Cabinet Member for Environment and Planning, said: “Our parks and open spaces are among the shining lights of London. We’re always on the lookout for how we can improve them even further to make sure people of all ages enjoy our facilities. I’m sure these new ramps and jumps will be well used from the word go. In the midst of so much negative news about spending cuts around the country it is pleasing to hear some good news for our younger generation.”
Users asked for a design to provide a place for skaters, BMX riders, inline skaters and scooters of all ages and abilities. The ambitious design combines small rollers, a large jump-box, multi-level bowl, spine ramp and a technical street course.
The interlinked sections can be ridden by different groups simultaneously whilst the central area provides a common space for the riders to socialise. Ridden all at once, as a complete circuit, the park gives a unique combination of freeform concrete terrain.
The decision to use concrete means the ramps, rails and bowls will absorb noise, be hard wearing and long lasting.
