‘Forgotten’ Bristol skatepark to undergo six-figure refurbishment  

A ‘forgotten’ skatepark in Bristol is set to close for eight weeks as it undergoes a six-figure refurbishment.            

Bristol Skatepark Collective have secured more than £150,000 for the transformation of Victoria Park Skatepark in Bedminster.   

The group, who seek to improve skatepark facilities across the city, have been involved with fundraising and council negotiations for the park for the last six years.       

Last year, they fundraised more than £20,000 to improve the facility within Victoria Park, having already secured £130,000 from council and grant funding.     

“The current park is over 11-years-old. I have no idea who was responsible for building it but from the day it opened it was clear that it was not fit-for-purpose,” said Daniel Higginson, founder of Bristol Skatepark Collective.     

A notice at the park says it will be closed for refurbishment the week commencing November 20 for eight weeks.      

The old equipment will be removed and a new skate and wheels park will be built, with different areas created to cater for different needs. Wheelscape has been selected to design the new facility.    

“Bristol has an incredible skate scene and heritage therefore should have facilities that reflect this,” added Daniel. 

“The current skatepark sat dormant but worse still made it harder to negotiate new facilities in central Bristol because to the untrained eye it ticked the box of providing a facility. 

“As a local father of two (and a skater myself) I am very aware of the need for free outdoor facilities where kids can get away from screens and be active and sociable.” 

He continued: “Thank you to every single person who has helped, donated or shared anything related to this project. 

“Donating during a pandemic and cost-of-living crisis shows faith in the project and outlines the need for this upgrade. I am sincerely grateful to everyone for their support.”