The project history to date :
Saturday 8th August 2009
Second Consultation
A very successful second consultation event at the proposed location for the skatepark with over 45 people taking the opportunity to see the revised draft plans, to see the skatepark area pegged out including the height of the bunding (banking) and to discuss the project with members of the committee including Julie Lewis, Police Community Support Officer.
27 July 09
First consultation on the draft plans for a skatepark at the Lake Grounds.
The project’s first consultation event on 9th June was through an Open day at the Folk Hall in Portishead. It was very successful with over 120 visitors and people said they were pleased to have an opportunity to see, discuss and comment on the draft plans. Many concerns and suggestions were made both in person to members of the committee and in writing which we will be considering with our architect Jo Johnson.
Wednesday 1 July 2009
Sound monitoring at Lake Grounds.
To enable us to monitor the sound of a skatepark we installed a temporary grind box in the proposed area of the Lake Grounds and invited a blader and three skateboarders to make as much noise as possible.
We monitored the noise outside the nearest property by the cafe and by the cricket pavilion. The skaters utilised the tarmac path as well as the grind box and although the occasional sound was audible, it was not significant and the project were reassured that when the bunding is in place, any sound will be minimised for residents.
20 June 2009
Project rejects extending Merlin Park Skatepark
Letter sent to local press from Project Chairman, Tony Mosely, and appeared in North Somerset Times 1st July 2009:
"We have learnt that some local Councillors have been canvassing residents of Merlin Park with the suggestion that the small skatepark there be extended, as a viable alternative to the Lake Grounds proposal. The project team is clear that Merlin Park is completely unsuitable for a large wheelsports facility as it lacks toilets, is too far from the centre of the town and would not have enough informal supervision.
The Portishead Skatepark Project would not consider developing the facilities at Merlin Park even if the Lake Grounds location is rejected.
The best location for the new facility is the area near the boathouse on the Lake Grounds. Failing this the site at Kilkenny Fields would be acceptable as no other available sites in the Town meet the basic criteria for the development of a successful skatepark."
9 June 2009
Design update with Jo Johnson
Skating and riding members of the committee meet the architect to discuss the latest plans.
June 2009
First draft plans for skatepark at Lake Grounds:
We have commissioned a landscape architect, Jo Johnson, to produce these plans so that we can consult the residents of Portishead about them prior to putting in a planning application to North Somerset.
16 May 2009
Project invite local councillors to view Chepstow Skatepark
Councillors Ros Cruse, Dennis Miers, Colin Howells and also ex Cllr Sue Haysom took up our offer to visit Chepstow Skatepark to see a concrete skatepark and discuss their concerns with our Landscape Architect. 5 May 2009 Users send in their designs Great lot of designs from you all which will be used to help come up with a draft design for planning.
28 April 2009
Design meeting f
or user group
Over 30 came to the meeting including some new faces and it was a success with lots of ideas shared and questions asked of Jo Johnson, the Landscape Architect. Everyone was very excited about the prospect of a new skatepark in Portishead. Next step is for users to send in their ideas for the park - see events for how to do this.
15 April 2009
Green light for skatepark planning application at Lake Grounds
Press statement on planning application, presented to Portishead Town Council on 15
April 2009
The Portishead Skatepark Project has received the go-ahead
from North Somerset Council to submit a planning application for a skatepark to
be sited on the Lake Grounds between the children's play area and the boating
shed.
This follows over two years of intensive investigation of
alternative sites around the town and lengthy public consultations.
The planning
process will give everyone the opportunity to see what is being proposed and make
their views known whether for or against. We will be showing off the plans at a
public consultation at the Folk Hall on June 9th between 3.00pm and 8.00pm when we will be able to answer any
questions and concerns people may have.”
In an extensive consultation carried out in January 2007 the Lake Grounds was the second most popular site after the Leisure Centre which had to be rejected because of noise concerns. The Lake Grounds location meets all the established criteria for skateparks being in an existing well used park with plenty of facilities nearby and well over 100 metres from the nearest housing.
This is the Press statement on our proposed planning application for a site on the Lake Grounds that the Skatepark Project presented to Portishead Town Council on 15 April 2009 and also dates for the next user group meeting to contribute to the design of the park and an open afternoon/evening to view the plans.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Further note: Our decision to pursue a location at the Lake Grounds was made after we submitted a report from our Landscape Architect on three possible locations to Cllr Ap Rees (Wyndham Way, Opposite Open Air Pool and Kilkenny Fields). The report suggested Kilkenny Fields was suitable.
Cllr Ap Rees remained opposed to Kilkenny Fields and asked one of his officers to look impartially and professionally at the options in Portishead's main park, the Lake Grounds. Following the officer's recommendations, on 16th March 2009, Cllr Ap Rees said he had no objection to us putting in a planning application for the site between the boathouse and the children's play area.
March 2009
Young user group trip to Motion
We party booked Bristol's indoor skatepark 'Motion' for an evening and restricted entry to under 13's. As a result the younger riders and skaters could practice in a quieter atmosphere and take their time plucking up courage to drop down the huge ramps. A great time was had by all.
Christmas 2008
User group sent the giant Christmas card (shown left) to Cllr Ap Rees.
Fri 12th Dec
Victorian Evening
A horrible cold and wet evening but we still managed to put the stall up and sell your old dvds, games etc and raised £102.
Fri 5th Dec
Skatepark Group Meeting
Skatepark Group meeting at Scout hut with visit from Duncan from Wheelscape Skateparks who have just built Filton park. Also watched DVD's of our November trip to Birmingham's Creation Skatepark.
22 Oct 08
James' big hopes for his small change
James Perry, a Gordano pupil, collected over £150 in small change to donate to the project.
8 Nov 08
Big Band and Gospel Choir concert raises over £1500
The UWE Big Band and
Gospel Choir played to an appreciative audience of more than 250 people at Gordano School and the concert and raffle raised over £1500 towards the project. Many thanks to all the shops and business who provided printing, raffle prizes and refreshments.
1 Nov 08
Project Trip to Birmingham's Indoor Skatepark
The project organised and subsidised a trip to Birmingham's huge indoor 'Creation' skatepark for 40 riders and skaters. After seven hours of solid riding, everyone declared the trip a success! Birmingham were able to see what a huge talent we have in Portishead. We were delighted that PCSO Julie Lewis came along to get to know the local young people and she said "I was really impressed with the way the young people behaved and interacted with each other. There is real talent for this skilled and energetic sport in Portishead and it is such a shame that they don’t have a decent local skatepark where they could practice".
Oct 08
Review of Three Sites sent to Cllr Ap Rees
We commissioned a report of the three current location options from Jo Johnson, a landscape architect with considerable experience in skatepark design and construciton
5th Oct 08
BMX Comp/Jam at Merlin- a success 
Over 20 bmx bike riders aged between seven and seventeen were riding the ramps, girls as well as boys. It was a fantastic success, and was the idea of local rider James Perry who organised the competition and presented the prizes. All proceeds were to the project.
The following richly deserved their prizes:
Best 1 minute run (over 14) - Mike Milnes
Best 1 minute run (under 14) - Ben Maltby
Furthest jump - Mike Milnes
First to 360 the spine – Ben Maltby
High jump – Will Midgeley
Best trick (over 14) Chris Derrick
Best trick (under 14) Jack Challenger
Low jump – joint winners Freddie Watts and Tom Clee
See this Flickr page for some general photos of the event http://www.flickr.com/photos/portisheadsk8/
28 Sept 08
Police support the our project
North Somerset Times article: "Police join skate park group
Portishead police have thrown their weight behind the town's proposed skate park and are calling for an end to the stalemate.
Sergeant Terry Scoble and Police Community Support Officer Julie Lewis have recently joined the project group. Sgt Scoble said: 'The police in Portishead fully support the proposals made so far by Portishead Skatepark Project. As part of our community policing we are in touch with youjg people in the town every day and a large percentage of the youth has a keen interest in skateboarding and BMXing. We support any youth activity and understand the frustrations the young people are experiencing over PSP. We have taken the step of joining the pro0ject and hope to make a positive contribution.
A few members of the public have expressed concerns about anti social behaviour occurring wherever the park goes but we have no evidence a tall to suggest a project like this encourages such behaviour.
PSP has investigated 14 different sites for the project over the past two years and the one that has met all the criteria and has proved the most popular choice with the young people is Kilkenny Field, however North Somerset's deputy leader Councillor Elfan Ap Rees has deemed the site unsuitable.
Young people in Portishead have raised more than £6,500 for PSP but serious fundraising including applications for grants and lottery funding cannot begin until a suitable site is agreed."
10 Sept 08
PSP visit Bristol's BMX and Skateboarding Event 
Portishead Skatepark riders took part in the two day Urban Arts Revolution Project 360 at the Lloyds Amphitheatre in Bristol.
21 Aug 08
Old Putting Green site suggested by Cllr Ap Rees
Cllr Ap Rees has suggested a location on the Lake Grounds opposite the Swimming Pool and we've asked him to assist us in evaluating this site.
10 Aug 08
Location re-evaluation including Avon Way and Victoria Square 
The project looked carefully at a map of Portishead back in January to find possible locations for the skatepark. 14 sites were considered in detail and after much deliberation we decided to pursue the Kilkenny Fields location. Please read the attached file to see the map and why Avon Way, Victoria Square/Wyndham Way and the other locations did not meet our criteria. There are a number of issues with the Wyndham Way location, chiefly that we would have to buy the land at considerable cost. Kilkenny Fields remains our preferred location as it is the only site that meets national and local criteria. We welcome other suggestions, and will continue to look at any other potential sites as we are not giving up on finding a site.
June 08
Rear of Open Air Pool location discounted
In our efforts to examine every possible site, we looked at an area behind the
outdoor pool in Portishead, near Battery Point. Although it is big enough and far enough away from houses, it is a local nature reserve and an
important archaeological area so we are not pursuing it any further.
May 08
Kilkenny Fields deemed unsuitable by North Somerset Council
Why are we disappointed? We wrote to Cllr Elfan Ap Rees, North Somerset Council asking for his support - here's our letter, his reply and the full report - please read it to find out what we proposed and which sites were considered.
Our letter:
11 April 2008
Dear Councillor ap Rees
The Portishead Skatepark Project has reached a critical stage in its ambition to create a new skatepark for the growing population of young people in our town. After nearly two years of hard work we have finally identified a location on Council owned land in Portishead and we now need the in-principle of the district council to allow us to progress to the next stage of the project which is to carry out formal assessments of the impacts of the proposed development and apply for full planning permission. We understand that you are the Executive Member responsible for this area of Council policy and it will be your decision whether to grant this permission or not.
The details of the decision we are asking you to make and the background and details of the project are contained in the report included with this letter. We sincerely hope that given the detailed investigations that we have made, the need for this facility that we have demonstrated, and the extent and strength of public support that we have gained that you will decide to support this project and allow us to progress quickly to the next stage.
Yours sincerely,
Tony Mosely, Chairman, Portishead Skatepark Project
...and here's his reply:
Dear Mr Mosely
Thank you for your letter and enclosure of 11th April 2008.
As no doubt you are aware, this proposal has raised considerable issues and objections and the suggested site at Nore Road is clearly not acceptable. I have asked officers and local District Councillors for alternative ideas but cannot promise an early answer.
Can I suggest you discuss the issue with the Town Council.
Kind Regards
Yours sincerely
Councillor Elfan Ap Rees, Deputy Leader of the Council
...and click here to read the report in full.
21 Jun 08
National Bike Week - Police Skate Ramps at Gordano School.
We had a stall and game to help people see where Kilkenny Fields are and to discuss the project. Some of our user group turned up to use the cycle ramps and take part in the treasure hunt and cycle skills workshop.
14 Jun 08
Portishead Carnival
Coconut Shy and Raffle raised a fantastic total of £154.81. Winning raffle tickets were drawn by Harriet, one of the Carnival Princesses.
Members of the group joined in the Carnival Procession led by Alex, on scooters, bikes, blades and skateboards.
During the day almost 300 people were asked if they thought a skatepark should be built in Portishead and whether Kilkenny Fields was an appropriate site. Only five people objected to it. The skatepark project was encouraged by these results, but not surprised because they reflected informal comments made by residents whenever the subject was discussed.
6 June 08
Meeting with Liam Fox, MP
Tony Mosely, our Project Chairman met Liam Fox MP at his constituency surgery to ask for his support for the Skatepark and to ask him to look into why Cllr Ap Rees rejected the Kilkenny Fields location proposals.
27 May 08
Half term trip to Motion
Fantastic time had by Portishead children at half-term at Motion Indoor Skatepark.
Mar 08
All ages trip to Motion Indoor Skatepark
A second trip to Motion was just as successful as the first but this time with users ranging in age from 9 to 21.
The older ones helped the younger riders and skaters and everyone had a fantastic time.
Feb 08
9-12's Young Users trip to Motion
The project continued to highlight the need for a new more challenging and central skatepark in the town when it arranged for a new generation of skaters to visit Motion indoor skatepark in Bristol.
The trip allowed youngsters aged from aged 9 to 12 years old to practice new and existing skills, helped by local skateboard enthusiast, Robin Bell. Over 20 skaters enjoyed the evening, those newer to the sport being encouraged by the more experienced skaters to try things they hadn't before in a quieter athmosphere including drops from 12 foot ramps on scooters and back flips on roller blades.
Dec 07
Carols on the Quay raise £315.00
We would like to thank all the carol singers and audience at the Carols on the Quay Christmas event for their generous donations which totalled £171 plus a big thank you to Jenny Williams of the Galley for donating the raffle ticket money totalling £144.
Dec 07
Town Council support Kilkenny Fields location 'in principle'
At the Portishead and North Weston Town Council meeting of 12 December 2007 the Town Council responded to the report with agreement to the first three recommendations (slight amendment to No. 1 - removing word "fully") and added a fourth:
Portishead and North Weston Town Council:
1. Supports the efforts of the Portishead Skatepark Project in its efforts to establish a new skatepark facility in Portishead.
2. Gives its in-principle support to the PSP in pursuing the assessment of a location at Kilkenny Fields as a suitable location for this new facility.
3. Urges North Somerset Council as landowner to provide all necessary assistance to the PSP in its endeavours.
4. Feels that there could be alternative sites that have not been fully explored and would urge that a further assessment be made. The Town Council would prefer a more central site.
Nov 07
Skatepark location discussions with Town Council
Many meetings have been taking place with town and district councillors to try to secure a site for the skatepark and at last we can report on some progress. In November our project submitted a report to the Recreation and Works Committee of the Portishead and North Weston Town Council asking for their support to pursue Kilkenny Fields as a possible location for the skatepark. The report includes information about the other sites that we consulted on last November and also about the future issues that need to be addressed before we can proceed with this location, including planning permission.
Click here to read November 07 report to the Town Council in full.
Click here to read Town Council's response.
Oct to Dec 07
Skatepark Grand Draw raises over £1700.00
Well done to all of you who sold tickets for our Grand Draw raising over £1700.00! Thanks to everyone who bought them, to all the traders who donated prizes and also sold tickets. Particular thanks go to Freemans for donating the Plasma Television and to Summit for selling so many tickets. Thanks too to Sue Mason (shown left with John S Clark), Chair of Portishead and North Weston Town Council for drawing the tickets.
Oct 07
£2000.00 donation from Rotarians
The Portishead Rotary Club donated a massive £2000.00 this month towards our project and wished us every suceess.
Oct 07
£402.50 raised packing bags at Waitrose
Thirteen skaters and riders volunteered to pack customers bags at Waitrose on 27th October and raised a fantastic £402.50. Thanks to Danny, Emma, Tim, Ben, Tom, Lucy, Jack, Dan, Nathan, Josh, Matty, Freddie and Sam. They will each have a free ticket for our Motion trip when we organise one in the new year. Big thanks to Waitrose too for letting us do this.
Oct 07
Police ramps at Avon Way
PCSO Debbie Charman brought the Police ramps to Avon Way play area after school on Friday 5th October and about thirty young skaters and riders turned up to use them.
Aug 07
Treasure Hunt
About 30 families braved the weather and enjoyed the hunt. Thanks to everyone who helped on the day, to the cake makers, to Ron Piper who lent us the gazebo and to Coleman, Redcliffe Removals and Jump for the prizes.
July 07
Portishead winners at Nailsea's Competition
The afternoon of Saturday 21st July 2007 saw the fifth Nailsea Community Skateboard and Rollerblade festival take place at the town’s Millennium Skate Park. Many skaters from Portishead took part and won prizes. Well done to Tom and Ben, Craig, Matt, Ryan and Freddie. See the photos on the official website or click on the photos below to englarge.
Jun 07
£102.00 raised packing bags at Somerfield
Tom M and Tom K worked hard for three hours packing bags in Somerfield and raised a whopping £102.
Jul 07
£152.00 raised bag packing at the Co-op
Josh, Abby , Dan, Jack, Lucy, Ben, Sue and Helen packed bags for two hours in the Co-op and raised £152.00 - a fantastic mornings work
Jun 07
£150.00 raised at Portishead Carnival
About 15 User Group members took part in the Carnival Procession on 16th June, scooting, skating and blading behind the Pink Cadillac carrying the Carnival Princess! They had a lot of fun. The Project was represented on the Carnival Field and many people wanted to know more. The stall had a very popular coconut shy and sold sweets and drinks making a profit of about £150.
Jun 07
Location developments
Unfortnately we are unable to proceed with our plans to have the Skatepark on the land adjoining the leisure centre, which was the most popular location, as it is too close to the new flats that are being built. We are now looking at both the second choice (the Lake Grounds) and the third choice (Bristol Road Football Club) to find out which is possible.
May 07
3rd User Group Meeting
On 22nd May the User Group met at the Youth Centre and there was a good turnout. Plans were made to take part in the Carnival and every future user of a skatepark was challenged to raise some money individually or with their friends towards the skatepark. Two boys are bag packing in Somerfield on 30th June for tips, some others are thinking of skating to Edinburgh! Police PCSO Charlotte Slocombe offered to bring the portable skate ramps to Portishead and discussed the local policy of zero tolerance. Phil Williams invited everyone to take part in Nailsea's Fifth Annual Skate Festival.
May 07
Hydrex and many other Local Companies support the skatepark
Many local companies have generously agreed to support the skatepark project with donations, with raffle and auction prizes and with offers of practical help and a full list appears on the links page.
A special big thank you goes to Hydrex who have offered to supply the plant and labour needed to carry out the groundwork associated with the skatepark, help worth many thousands of pounds.
Apr 07
Swimathon raises £300.00
Two teams swam magnificently on behalf of the Skatepark - well done to all of them. The Rotary Club of Portishead organised the event and gave us all we raised and more resulting in a genourous donation of £300.00.
Big thanks to the swimmers: Daniel and Billie, Craig, Henry, Tom and Daniel, Robin, John, Vivien and Emma. Everyone swam enthusiastically and the Skating Crocs (oldies plus Emma) did 76 lengths. the highest number in our 35 minute session, The Dolphins did about 64 and were either 2nd or 3rd. "It was great to see the younger ones swimming so well and with such determination" Viv.
Mar 07
Jon raises over £300 for the skatepark
Lib Dem Councillor (as was) Jon Gethin (pictured above with daughter Amy) ran the Bath Half Marathon on Sunday 25 March on behalf of the Project and raised over £300 for the Skatepark - a fantastic achievement.
Mar 07
Location survey results
Extensive consultation with the residents of Portishead resulted in most votes being cast for the skatepark to be located on the land adjoining the Leisure Centre, marked on the Google picture to the left with our logo. The Lake Grounds location came second. The project is now seeking advice from various North Somerset Council departments over land ownership and other issues.
click here to see the detailed survey results
Feb 07
'We want a skatepark' in the Evening Post
On Sunday 18th February dozens of young people, parents, grandparents and friends gathered in Portishead to raise awareness of their project: to build a new skatepark in the centre of Portishead to be used by bikes, rollerbladers, scooters and skateboards. John Thompson interviewed several people and a photo and article appeared in the Bristol Evening Post the next day.
Mar 07
Second Skatepark User Meeting
Cllr John Clark updated the group about the progress being made on finding a location for the park and we discussed taking part in the carnival and running some training sessions. The group watched the first draft of the Motion video and some interviews were re-recorded by Geoff. Then everyone with a bike, skateboard or blades enjoyed the sports court for a few hours.
Feb 07
Portishead's skaters and riders make video at Motion
Over 40 skaters, riders, bladers and scooterers from Portishead travelled to Bristol's Motion Indoor Skatepark on Monday 12th February to make a video to help get funding for a new skatepark in Portishead.
Geoff Holloway did a fantastic job filming everyone from the beginners trying out the huge ramps to Portishead's own Motion team member, Dom Jones, doing backflips. Robin Bell interviewed lots of you about how keen you all are on your sport and how much you need a new skatepark in Portishead. Everyone seemed to have a fantastic time and it was great to see Cllr John S Clark there enjoying the spectacle. Watch youtube clip of 'PSP movie".
Jan 07
Council reject funding proposal for Skatepark
A group of skaters and riders from the Project attended the Portishead and North Weston Town Council meeting on 17th January and their spokesperson, Robin Bell, asked them to help fund the skatepark. The council was split on the proposal for funding made by Cllr John S Clark and it was narrowly rejected. Since the Town Council started off the project by setting up a Working Party last September, it was very disappointing for all there that they did not back their support for the project with funding.
Jan 09
The first Skatepark User Group meeting
A fantastic 51 people turned up to the first meeting 
for all skateboarders, bladers, BMX and scooter riders at the Youth Centre on 9th January.
There was terrific enthusiasm for the project and dozens of ideas were brainstormed to raise money for the park. Many signed up to take part in the Swimathon, to help make a video about the project to help attract funds and to help leaflet residents of Portishead.
Dec 06
Successful Victorian Evening raises £101.90
Our stall at the Victorian Evening selling second-hand PC, Playstation games, DVDs, Videos raised the first £101.90 towards the park. During the evening we began our Portishead Residents Consultation about the park and it's location by interviewing over 300 people. They were asked which location they preferred: Lake Grounds, Leisure Centre, Bristol Road, Village Quarter or Nore Road Picnic Area.
Nov 06
School Survey
A survey was undertaken of all Junior, Special, PRU and Secondary schools in Portishead in order to find out how many people might use the park and what they would ride if they did. 655 survey forms have been returned so far and the results are encouraging: 430 young people would use the park, 35% of these are female and over 47% would use it at least once a week.
The young people were also asked to donate old DVDs, Videos and Computer/PS2 games to sell at the Victorian Evening and we were amazed by the response.
Oct 06
Project formed
With the agreement of the Town Council the Skatepark Working Party became the ‘Portishead Skatepark Project’ (PSP) with it’s own management committee and not controlled by the Council. There would also be a Skatepark Users Group open to all local skaters and riders.
It was decided to aim to raise £100,000 from Town and District Councils, grant making Trusts and Companies, local businesses and also by the young people doing their own fundraising.
The first task was to find a suitable location and the following were suggested:
- Lake Grounds, near the boat hut
- Leisure Centre, seaward end
- Village Quarter, near the new school
- Bristol Road Football Club
- Nore Road, start of coast path.
These locations have been publicised in the North Somerset Times and prompted many letters to the paper both for and against the park and suggesting locations.
Sept 06
Skatepark Working Party formed
John S Clark proposed that the Portishead and North Weston Town Council establish a Skatepark in central Portishead. The Town Council approved the idea and a Working Party of councillors, parents, young people and representatives from the Police and Rotary Club was established.
July 06
Primary Children petition council for skatepark
Local primary school children petitioned North Somerset Council to use some of their £340,000 Lottery money to fund a skatepark in Portishead.
May 06
Skaters lobby Councillor for skatepark
Councillor John S Clark visited the Youth Club to meet some skaters and riders and realised there was great enthusiasm for a new skatepark in Portishead.
Feb 06
Skaters write to the council asking for a skatepark
Two skateboarding teenagers wrote to the Portishead and North Weston Town Council urging them to build a skatepark in Portishead.