CAMPAIGNERS planning to transform an “outdated” skate park are celebrating today after receiving a £100,000 boost that will enable the scheme to go ahead.
A major fundraising drive launched by people using the 18-year-old skateboard arena at Bartley Park, Totton, has been given a bumper payout by the Veolia Environmental Trust.
Enthusiasts now have enough money to fund the eagerly anticipated project and say work will start later this year.
Steve Bega of the Bartley Park Community Group, the team behind the project, said: “I’m so excited that we’ve received this grant, which is great news for Totton.
“There’s a severe lack of free sports facilities available to the community and Bartley Park is the perfect place for us to change this.
“The park has been well used by the community over the years but it’s in desperate need of repair.”
Paul Taylor, executive director of the Veolia Environmental Trust, added: “The town council needs to be congratulated on securing a grant from us.
“Demand for funds is high and it succeeded in a very competitive environment.”
Cllr David Harrison, a member of the town and district councils, described the grant as “fabulous” news.
He said the Veolia cash, coupled with £150,000 set aside by council chiefs and money raised by the skateboarders themselves, meant campaigners now had enough money to start construction work.
Cllr Harrison added: “A great new replacement facility will serve the needs of thousands of young people for years to come.”
Plans to transform Bartley Park were revealed last year.
The campaign is being led by Jonathan and Jenny Harrison, whose son Daniel, 15, is among the skateboarders who use Bartley Park.
Mr Harrison said: “We want to turn it into a magical area that the whole community can be proud of.
“The existing skatepark is old and out-dated, with fibreglass surfaces and ramps that wobble. It’s capable of being turned into an amazing facility.”
Mrs Harrison added: “We were over the moon when Veolia approved our request.
A lot of hard work went into the application and we’re extremely happy with the outcome.”
Campaigners are already turning their attention to phase two of the project, which includes a new-look BMX track.
But they are hoping that other people will continue to visit the park, including dog walkers.
Mrs Harrison added: “We want everyone to use the facility – we just feel it needs updating.”
