Southwold Klondyke Skatepark less than a month away from completion as construction progresses

A coastal town’s new skatepark is less than a month away from opening as construction on it progresses.

The Southwold Klondyke Skatepark project has passed the halfway mark, with features such as ramps and the bowl starting to take shape.

Carl Hurr, 51, is chairperson of the project and said he expects it will be open to the public by the middle of May.

East Suffolk Council, Reydon Parish Council, Southwold Town Council, Blyth Valley Rotary and Southwold Lions are among the individuals and organisations who have supported the project.

“Seeing it take shape is amazing,” said Mr Hurr. “It’s pretty much perfect to the design.

“We’ve also secured some more funding, around £2,500, so that when the park is finished children and adults are invited to come and work with ABC skateboards for a day of lessons.”

Mr Hurr, who has been skateboarding since he was 13, said that within hours of announcing the lessons event he had around 40 people expressing interest in getting involved.

There will also be a ‘mini first aid class’ for younger people wanting to try out the activity.

David Beavan, deputy leader of East Suffolk Council, said: “It’s absolutely brilliant – all credit to Carl for kicking it off.

“The whole community has been behind it and it’s really exciting and something to celebrate.”

Mr Hurr added that, while the skatepark will open in mid-May, he hopes to have an official larger-scale opening event at some point in the school holidays.

The project started in 2020, with those behind the scheme fund-raising to get the project off the ground, including selling t-shirts.

Recycled materials are being used from a local provider to construct the skatepark elements.