The Clacton Trax Skatepark at Clacton Leisure Centre drew a large crowd as it reopened to the public with a spectacular skate jam.
Visitors of all ages were bowled over by the new facility and attended long before the opening ceremony in the afternoon, last Friday.
Councillor Mark Stephenson, Leader of Tendring District Council opened the event with a short speech before cutting a ribbon to officially open the skatepark.
“Skateparks provide a wealth of benefits, from providing a safer alternative to the street to practise wheeled sports and promoting physical activity, to delivering a community space where friendships can be forged, and successes celebrated,” Councillor Stephenson said.
“We’d like to thank the volunteers who helped with planting this week, of which I was one of them. I believe some travelled from out of the county. It looks great and we appreciate your hard work.
“We’d also like to thank Stuart Maclure and his team at Betongpark for delivering this wonderful facility and organising such a fun event today for the local community.
“We hope the park is used for many years to come and I look forward to seeing everyone try it out.”
Music played over speakers as gravity was defied one trick at a time by BMX, skateboard, and scooter riders. The team at Betongpark who contracted the skatepark and organised the event, provided an engaging running commentary for the skatejam, cheering on participants on a first name basis and handing out prizes.
Stuart Maclure, Development Manager at Betongpark, was delighted with the public’s reception to the new skatepark.
“Refurbishing Clacton Trax Skatepark has been a dream project for us and we’re incredibly proud of the end result. It’s a space that is so special for the local community, as was shown by the turnout on opening day,” said Mr Maclure.
“The new surface and additional obstacles make a world of difference to the overall flow of the park and for beginners to get learning.
“We’ll be sure to keep an eye out for the next generation of riders to come out of Clacton-on-Sea.”
