WORK has started on a new skatepark at Whitehall Recreation Ground.
Rugby Borough Council (RBC) has teamed up with Bristol-based skatepark design and construction company Canvas to deliver the £160,000 project.
The skatepark forms part of the phased refurbishment of Whitehall Recreation Ground, with feedback received from residents during public consultations helping to shape the plans.
The council and Canvas held a series of meetings with Rugby skateboarding and BMX enthusiasts to shape the design of the new skatepark, which is due to be completed by the end of the year, weather permitting.
RBC environment and public realm spokesman Coun Howard Roberts said: “A skatepark was one of the most requested facilities during the public consultation on the refurbishment of Whitehall Rec, and we’ve worked closely with the town’s skateboarding and BMX communities to design a facility which both meets the needs of skateboarders and BMX riders, and complements the wider surroundings of the recreation ground.
“Despite the many challenges the pandemic has presented this year, I’m pleased we’ve been able to push ahead with our programme of improvements to the borough’s parks and open spaces, which includes a skatepark at Brownsover’s Hollowell Way play area in the new year.”
The skatepark has been funded by the council and Section 106 contributions – funds paid to the council by housing developers to mitigate the impact of new developments.
The refurbishment of Whitehall Recreation Ground has so far included a new play area, part-funded by a £75,000 grant from the Veolia Environmental Trust, work to improve the area surrounding the War Memorial, and new ‘easy gates’ at all entrances.
A future phase of the refurbishment looks set to include the restoration of the recreation ground’s historic bandstand.
Visit www.rugby.gov.uk/WhitehallRec for more information on the refurbishment.
