THE spirit of community appears to be thriving in Lostwithiel as local skaters and residents joined forces to create a new skatepark.
The Lostwithiel Skatepark Project team have been fundraising over the past few months as attempts are made to reach a £60,000 to £80,000 target – a figure that would see the young riders of Lostwithiel gain a professionally designed skatepark for all ages.
It's something Ben Webber, a local skater and key part of Friends of Lostwithiel Skate Ramp, sees as a vital addition to the town's skating community.
He said: "Skateparks are a great place for young people to express themselves and expend their energy, which keeps them out of trouble. They also provide a much-needed platform for kids of all ages to learn how to interact with each other."
The old ramp was removed following problems with its condition and insurance issues.
With the proposed new park also comes a new location. An agreement has been reached between the council and the project group that the triangular grass area on the King George V playing field closest to the A390 road bridge, and furthest away from houses and the community centre, is the most suitable.
It is hoped a sum of the money needed for a new park will come from grants. Lostwithiel Town Council has submitted a bid to the Sport England Inspired Facilities' programme; a decision on this bid is expected around Christmas.
The local fundraising target is £20,000, thanks to the hard work of the team and its supporters, and assisted by a promise of support from the council worth £15,000, the group are currently at £18,837.
To reach the total children at Lostwithiel School took to their scooters for a 'scoot-a-thon' around the playground; four local boys put on a bike demonstration at Lanlivery Country Fair; the town's local cinema society, Lost in Film, raised funds at one of their screenings and a successful SkateJam that took place during July.
Helen Taylor, treasurer of Lostwithiel Forum, said: "We could still do with more parental support. The skatepark is very important for the town. The old one acted as a meeting place where youngsters could meet and release their energy."
The group have three designs up for consideration. It is considered a poured-concrete park will prove the most sustainable, ticking the boxes marked longevity, value for money and low maintenance, as well as being the quietest surface which could withstand floodwater.
The council has received and approved a pre-planning document and the next step will be the design, something that all the children will be getting involved in.
To offer your support or to find out more, call Helen Taylor on 01208 872252, Ben Webber on 07737 641400 or Jan Phillips, of the Clay Country Greenspace Development Project, on 07880 242070.