Work has started on creating an updated skatepark at the Lymington Road play area.
Westgate Town Council has agreed that Nic Powley, of Skate Pharm, can begin to rebuild the skate park.
The previous park was outdated and consisted of metal ramps on a tarmac base. There was also a mini ramp, two quarter pipes, two flat banks and a ledge.
Nic says the site was due a much-needed upgrade.
The project to improve the skatepark was first discussed by Westgate Town Council around two years ago and Nic launched a fundraising campaign which the town council pledged match funding of up to £8000.
Following a unanimous vote at an Extraordinary Full Council Meeting on Friday (October 31), the community rebuild of the skate park has now started with Margate Skateboard Club volunteers removing the old ramps.
Phase One involves building a concrete mini ramp expected to be completed in the coming weeks.
Phase Two will begin in the spring and will be a street area due to be completed by May.
The rebuild of the skate park is a joint project between Westgate-on-Sea Town Council and Margate Skateboard Club. Funding comprises grants, match funding by Westgate-on-Sea Town Council and a community fundraiser.
The skate park fundraiser is still active and now raising money needed for phase two of the project.
Nic says if the project is successful he’d would like to replicate it across Thanet and Kent.
Find the Westgate skatepark fundraiser here
Nic and fellow boarder Dan Cates are also involved in the Margate Town Deal scheme to create a £1million skatepark in Cliftonville.
Last year councillors agreed to allocate a further £350,000 for the skatepark planned at the former putting green at Ethelbert Terrace.
The project has funding of £984,000 including £59,000 match funding from the council and there is also £100,000 from artist Tracey Emin in addition to the agreed £350,000.
The aim is for the skatepark site to be free to use for skaters of all levels as well as regenerating the former putting green area. There are also plans for new public toilets and a refreshment kiosk.
The skatepark, kiosk and toilets, will remain under the Thanet council for management, maintenance and repair.
The scheme has progressed slowly but is currently at the building tender stage.
Skateboard GB says with the growth of competition over the last few years and introduction of skateboarding at the Olympics in 2021, skateboarding is now categorised as an action sport.
As of 2020 data shows there are approximately 750,000 people who take part in some form of skateboarding activity in the UK.
