Cardiff Council has revealed a plan to invest in the city’s skatepark infrastructure, which could see six new skateparks built by 2032 and many existing skateparks converted into modern concrete-based facilities. The plan, called the Skateboard Amenities Strategy, was developed by Cardiff Council with the support of internationally renowned skate park consultants Van de Zalm and New Line Skate Parks. The strategy aims to support and grow the skateboarding community, foster a diverse user group, and create skate amenities that support a wide range of uses and skill levels1.
Cabinet Member for Culture, Parks and Events, Cllr Jennifer Burke, said: “We want as many people as possible to take part in physical activity and the great thing about skateboarding is that, as well as being a relatively low-cost sport to get involved in, it also appeals to people of all ages – from young children and teenagers, to older skaters, some of who are now introducing their own kids to the sport.”1
The strategy proposes the construction of four new destination skateparks serving north, east, west, and center of Cardiff. Each facility would be more than 1,200m2. The south of the city, which is already home to Cardiff’s only existing concrete destination skatepark, would benefit from a new neighborhood skatepark between 600-1,200m2. The strategy also suggests that the development of an Olympic standard skatepark facility in the city should be considered to further the sport in Wales at a competitive level
The plan also includes a framework for introducing rain-sheltered facilities, and smaller ‘spot’ and ‘dot’ skate facilities such as those at the recently refurbished Maltings Park in Splott12.
If the plan is agreed at a Cardiff Council Cabinet Meeting on Thursday, January 18th, it will ensure Cardiff’s vibrant and diverse skateboard community can continue to grow and thrive. Modern, purpose-built concrete skateparks are quieter, higher quality, and require less maintenance than wooden and steel-framed facilities1.
