'UK's first' school skatepark planned in Kent

The UK's first skatepark at a state secondary school could be built in Kent. Folkestone Academy - where skateboarding is already taught - has applied for permission for the facility on its grounds.

The school's principal hopes that with the sport’s growing popularity a future world champion could be from the town. The school has lodged a planning application with Folkestone & Hythe District Council (FHDC) to build the facility on its campus near Park Farm Industrial Estate.

It said in planning documents that the proposal "makes use of land that has never been utilised in the past as it was considered not level enough for any form of sport" It added: "The topography of this space, with little enhancement, lends itself well to the proposal of a skateboard park for use by both students and [the] community and would enhance their skills in skateboarding.”

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It said skateboarding is “already taught as a curriculum enhancement both during breaks and after school". The area will consist of a shallow bowl, two small ramps, a rail and a ledge, as well as seating.

Principal Steven Shaw told the LDRS the school had secured funding from the Roger De Haan Charitable Trust for the “unique project”. He added: “We believe our proposed skatepark is the very first of its kind in a UK state school."

Folkestone has a burgeoning skateboarding scene, with F51, the world’s first multi-storey skatepark opening in April 2022. Also funded by local billionaire philanthropist Sir Roger De Haan, the £17 million facility includes a climbing centre and boxing club.

Mr Shaw added: “The skatepark would be used by both primary and secondary pupils in supervised sessions covering PE lessons, as well as lunchtime, after school and Saturday morning clubs. We also propose that it is made available for managed, wider community use, much like our other sporting facilities are.

“Our student population are keen skaters, with many choosing to travel to school by skateboard and scooter. Creating a high quality, purpose-built facility will offer a safe, controlled environment for them to develop their skills, build confidence and increase physical activity levels.

“At Turner Schools [the academy trust which runs the school], we are always looking for new ways to engage and inspire our students. We are confident the development of this UK-first proposed school skatepark will prove hugely beneficial for our students and wider community.

“With skateboarding now an Olympic sport, and the recently built advanced F51 skateboarding facility in Folkestone, the opportunities are huge. Who knows? We could pave the way for the next world champion right here in Folkestone!”

Margate skating prodigy Taylor Cunningham described teaching skateboarding in school as “a good way to promote a sport”. The 15-year old, who last year flew to Argentina for Olympic trials, added: “Once the skate park in the school is built I definitely think it will build a new generation of skaters.”

Skateboard GB spokesman Neil Ellis said: “Folkestone has a great skateboarding community, it has hosted many events and is the home to the only purpose-built multi-story skatepark in the world. The development of a skatepark within the school, will help to nurture this community and provide youngsters with an opportunity to try alternative sports, which are often taught in schools."

It is not yet known when FHDC’s planning department will decide on the application, but a target of no later than July 2 has been set.

Folkestone Academy is not however the only school in Kent which provides the sport. Canterbury Academy teaches both skateboarding itself and the business and economics of skateboarding to sixth formers who opt for it.

Dan Wall, construction teacher at Canterbury Academy leads the school’s Canterbury Skate Project, which includes skateboard designing, making and skateboarding lessons are delivered by a coach.

According to Skateboard GB, there are 750,000 people actively skateboarding across the UK with more than 2,000 outdoor and 71 indoor skateparks across the UK.

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