Skateparks are a place for people of all ages and abilities to socialise, exercise outdoors, challenge themselves and enjoy local green spaces. They are unique in providing an alternative outdoor meeting area, particularly for young people, and it is for these reasons and more that its redevelopment of the Skatepark in Harpenden’s Rothamsted Park is hugely important.

Harpenden charity PARC (Playpark Action Rothamsted Committee) is working with Harpenden Town Council towards this much needed redevelopment. Designs accommodating the need for an inviting and inclusive space with good wheelchair access, features for all abilities and ages, and suitability for different users including skateboards, BMX bikes, WCMX (adapted wheelchairs), scooters and roller skates, were agreed earlier this year.

The overall budget for the new skatepark is £250,000 with Harpenden Town Council committing £100,000 and the remainder relying on local fundraising. PARC is making progress with raising funds but needs more help from local people and businesses to make the Skatepark a reality.

PARC representative Rod Cooley said, “We are asking businesses, local organisations and park users if they could sponsor this important redevelopment; there are various options to help with this and every penny will help us in achieving our goals.”

Options to help fund this project include buying a brick for £100 which would be personalised with a name, street name, group’s name or whatever you choose, and the charity has also set up a text service: text SKATE to 70450 to donate £20 or NEW to 70450 to donate £10. PARC is asking local businesses to sponsor the skatepark.

Any donation would be welcome, but if businesses can donate £2,500 their company name and logo will be put on a sponsor board to be located next to the new skatepark. There is space for ten business names and logos on the sponsor board.

PARC is a registered charity (No. 1179147) established in July 2018 by a group of Harpenden parents and grandparents, initially formed to raise £250, 000 to redesign and replace Harpenden’s flagship playpark, situated in Rothamsted Park. PARC raised £110, 000 through their fundraising efforts and with the support of Harpenden Town Council, who pledged a further £150, 000, the play area was completed and opened to the public in July 2021.

Further information can be found on PARC’s donations website: www.parc.charity/donate email emailparc@gmail.com or call 07955 027524.



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