Finsbury Park has a small existing skatepark of only two bowls, installed over 20 years ago. An area of wasteland adjacent to the existing skate bowls was originally allocated to the skatepark but a lack of funds meant the larger project was never commenced.
The demand for the existing skatepark far outstrips supply. On an average day, the two bowls have over 40 users – too many for the bowls to be used safely, not welcoming for younger and more inexperienced skaters, and with little room for wheelchair or BMX users. Experienced skaters find the bowls too small to use. In comparison, the tennis courts next door are 8 times the size and can accommodate only 32 people at capacity. We believe there is significant latent unmet demand in the community, currently discouraged by the size of the existing park. There are no other skate parks nearby.
What we need help funding
In the year that skateboarding becomes an official Olympic sport, the Friends of Finsbury Park are raising funds to create a street skating ‘plaza’ within the park. This would see the existing skate park extended and improved, utilizing the space originally earmarked for the skate park 20 years ago, but empty ever since. Funding would also be used to include safe lighting so the area can be used along with the tennis courts after dusk until the lights get turned off at 10pm. Subject to funds being raised, Haringey Council have agreed to take on this project, and maintain it after it is build. The project has the support of SkateboardGB.
The project will create a safe, outdoor and inclusive community space for those aged 5 to 60 with its core user group being 10 – 25 years old. It would transform an existing unsightly space into a welcoming urban hub for exercise, connection and, through that, wellbeing.
In time, we intend to raise additional funds to provide subsidized skate lessons and equipment rental for the local community. We would also like to provide subsidized urban art lessons and graffiti competitions. Art and skateboarding are inextricably linked.
If you would like to donate to the project, please do so below.
