SCOTLAND’S newest skatepark has officially opened after nearly two years of fundraising by a local community.
Supporters of the North Berwick Community Skatepark raised £160,000 to replace the town’s aging outdoor park with a brand new facility.
Paul McLennan, the MSP for East Lothian, cut the ribbon on the park over the weekend with demos, competitions and music welcoming skaters back after months of building work.
Project committee chair, Lewis Houghton, said the final facility aims to foster progression in the sport among skaters of all ages.
He said: “It’s been over eighteen months of all consuming activity from our very small committee, we’ve consulted widely, raised the funds, organised events and coordinated the build.
“Our vision was to create a skatepark to be proud of so it’s thrilling to finally have reached that goal.
“This project has been a labour of love, the culmination of countless hours of planning, dedication, and hard work.
“From initial design that has brought this park to life, to the skilled and dedicated builders who meticulously crafted every feature, to the committee, community support and funders who rallied for a space where skaters can flourish.
“This skatepark is a testament to the power of unity and the ability of a community to come together to make dreams a reality.
“It's a place where beginners can learn from seasoned veterans, where mentorship flows as freely as the wheels on the concrete.”
The National told previously how one determined mum’s idea to build a new skatepark in North Berwick wasn’t derailed by the scale of the funding challenge.
East Lothian Council allowed the small committee proposing the rebuild to use the land.
The committee also gained funding from the North Berwick Trust, Coastal Area Partnership, Sport Scotland, SUEZ Community Trust, NB Rotary Club, Stella Moffat Trust, Russell Bequest, Law Cycles, East Lothian Council CIF fund and Tesco.
Lights for the park and a free library of kit for children to borrow skating equipment are also set to be installed within the next few weeks.
It comes as skating is set to return as a Olympic sport at next year’s Paris games.
