19 Aug 2024
The replacement of Harpenden’s dangerous and dilapidated skate park with a modern concrete alternative has been cancelled for financial reasons.
Harpenden Town Council (HTC), which took over management of Rothamsted Park in 2021, had successfully secured planning permission for the project and raised a substantial amount of external fundraising with local charity Playground Action Rothamsted Committee (PARC).
But a spokesperson revealed that the project, which was expected to cost £250K, had seen a huge increase in costs due to inflation and additional planning measures.
HTC had originally reserved £100,000 towards the skatepark with a further £150,000 to be obtained from the community, with PARC raising £45,157 by the time of the town council review in July.
The spokesperson added: “Our council met to consider the next steps for the project and agreed to cease the current proposals to replace the existing skatepark with a modern concrete alternative.
“Whilst we are not continuing with the current redevelopment plans, in the next two months we will be exploring options for the refurbishment of the skatepark using the same materials as the existing facility.
“The town council has successfully partnered with PARC for a number of years and PARC’s hard work and dedication has made a considerable difference to the town. At the heart of HTC’s Business Plan is a focus on improving the health and wellbeing of the community and it is hoped that future improvements will continue to benefit the wide-ranging demographic of Rothamsted Park visitors, including young people and their families.”
Rod Cooley, co-chair of PARC, said: “The PARC team would like to thank everyone who has donated or helped PARC with its many displays as well as responding to the Harpenden community surveys about the skatepark. In particular, PARC would like to thank Ben Benson and his colleagues for producing two wonderful videos about the Rothamsted skatepark and Lumin Wealth for paying to have a 3D model of the skatepark made.
“PARC would also like to thank the following for their help and support: Ron Taylor, editor of Harpendia, Megan Thompson for sponsoring the skateboard design competition and for hosting the skateboard winners’ event at Thompson’s Gallery, the former and current Town Mayors, Aldwickbury School, Covalence Research, the Small Removal company and Memberwise Limited.”
He said PARC team members and helpers had put in a great deal of effort to fundraise for the skatepark over nearly three years, and is now focused on refunding donations, which is a huge task.
He added: “Whatever monies are left over will be applied for charitable purposes the same as or similar to those of PARC. Therefore, for everybody who donated, no matter how small, please be assured that the money will go to a worthwhile cause.”
