Skatepark one year anniversary

Today we celebrated the one-year anniversary of the opening of the skatepark and thanked Henry Warde, Squerryes Estate for gifting the northern part of King George’s Playing Field to Westerham Town Council (WTC).

In 2022 WTC asked residents for their views on the draft masterplan for King George’s Field. WTC welcomed responses from everyone: residents of all ages; community groups and organisations; and users from outside the town. WTC asked specifically for views on the facilities proposed within the draft masterplan and for any comments people might have on the overall draft masterplan.

• 97% of respondents supported the draft masterplan.

• 87% supported the creation of a new skatepark – not just for skaters, but for cycles, scooters, in fact anything with wheels!

WTC were also encouraged to proceed with the skatepark replacement when a local resident Mr Dale Storey and his children contacted WTC as they requested a new skatepark which was more challenging than the old one. Dale and his children have been involved throughout the process.

Extensive consultation with both Churchill and Valance Schools took place by our Project Officer Debbie Marshall before and after WTC went out to tender for the project.

WTC was delighted to award the contract to Wheelscape, Elliot and some of his team are here today.

WTC has provided skateboarding free lessons since the opening; in Easter, Summer and October last year and again this Easter and Summer. These have been very well received, and we are grateful to Ollie Ireland of Samsara – Sports Instruction & Development for running the lessons.

Many of you may not know that WTC did not own all the land regarded as King George’s Field. WTC have for many years leased the northern part of the field (the part opposite the WSA building) from the Squerryes Estate. On hearing of plans for the field, the Estate offered to gift the part it still owned to the Council and the legal process of transfer is now complete. It means that the entire field will be maintained in perpetuity for the Community’s use for sport and recreation.

A big thank you to Henry Warde, Squerryes Estate for providing the fizz from the estate today and we are drinking out of compostable cups!