The Wells Skatepark Community Group has announced significant progress in their campaign for a new skatepark in Wells, and they are calling on the community to participate in a crucial survey to shape the future facility.

The new skatepark will be located on the existing site, with Waitrose generously granting access to their car park for the necessary works. The campaign has received strong support from Somerset Council, the Highways Department, and Wells City Council, highlighting the community's desire for this much-needed facility.

Thanks to the invaluable assistance from Orme Architects and Maverick, a renowned skatepark developer, the design and planning process is well underway.

The aim is to create a facility that meets the needs of all users, including scooters, roller skaters, inline skaters, wheelchair users, skateboarders, and BMX riders.

To ensure the skatepark caters to everyone, the Wells Skatepark Community Group has launched a community survey. They urge all wheeled sports enthusiasts to participate and share their input. This feedback is crucial in shaping a skatepark that serves both beginners and seasoned skaters.

"The importance of this skatepark cannot be overstated," a spokesperson for the group said. "Wheeled sports offer significant benefits for people of all ages, fostering better physical and mental health, community spirit, and personal development. Many towns and cities in the UK now have at least one skatepark, reflecting the sport's growing importance for youth engagement, which we need to embrace."

Given the ongoing removal of existing ramps due to safety concerns and cost issues, the need for a new facility is more urgent than ever. The design phase is on the horizon, and the next step will be to re-establish fundraising efforts. The community is called upon to rally together and support this cause, ensuring the creation of a skatepark that will serve as a hub of activity and enjoyment for years to come.

If you use or would like to use a skatepark in Wells, please complete the survey available here or through the QR code on the group's Instagram account @wellsskatepark.

For those interested in staying updated, helping to fundraise, or supporting the project in other ways, please get in touch via email at [email protected] or follow on Instagram @wellsskatepark.