Crystal Palace Skatepark designs revealed ahead of winter opening

Crystal Palace Skatepark design Archant

It is part of the Crystal Palace Park improvement plans

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Crystal Palace Skatepark design Crystal Palace Skatepark design

A new skatepark is set to grace Crystal Palace Park 40 years after it hosted a landmark skateboarding competition.

Crystal Palace Park is regarded as one of the homes of UK skateboarding, after hosting the UK’s first major competition for the sport in 1977.

Now designs for a new skatepark, expected to open in the winter, have been revealed.

The mayor of London-funded plans consist of a 100m long and 11m wide curved concrete band, filled with a wide range of terrains, next to the park’s half-pipe.

It has been designed with experience and new users in mind, with an L-shaped steel-coping bowl set to test any skilled riders.

Surrounding the skatepark, which sits in a distinctive raised tray-like platform. are a series of new grass mounds, allowing for multiple viewing and relaxation points.

A new community group, the Friends of Crystal Palace Skatepark, has recently been formed, and will act as the community hub for the skatepark facility, with an opening jam, demonstrations, lessons and other activities all being planned for the site.

Councillor Peter Morgan, executive councillor for renewal and recreation, said: “We are delighted the skatepark is now taking shape in Crystal Palace Park.

“Bromley council is continuing to the deliver the improvement scheme and ensuring the park serves the needs of a wide range of users.

“As the regeneration plan is taken forward, we are optimistic about the future of the park and will continue to improve facilities for the community within one of London’s great open spaces.”

The £2.4million improvement plan, £2million of which has come from City Hall, has already seen improvements to the park’s landmark sphinx statues, with further restoration expected on the Crystal Palace Dinosaurs.

Other plans for improvement include a proposed museum connecting to the town’s hidden subway.

Iain Borden from Friends of Crystal Palace Skatepark said: “There has been huge support for a skatepark in Crystal Palace for many years and it is exciting to now see it under construction. We would like to invite riders and skaters of all abilities to join our group so we can all make the most of this new facility.”