Radical Refurbishment Takes Off - Pencester Skate Park Launched

A leading edge skate park in Pencester Gardens was officially launched on Saturday (3 March) following a major refurbishment and an exciting upgrading of skateboard, BMX and in-line skating facilities in the park.

The park features a modern street design concept and follows partnership working between Dover District Council and Kent County Council, working with local young people in the Dover SK8/Extreme Sport Group and the Dover District Youth Forum. Representatives from key partners in the project are attending the launch, which also features displays from local skaters.

Funding towards the scheme has come from KCC Dover Local Board and a £50,000 donation from Barclays Spaces for Sport.

Barclays Spaces for Sports is a three year £30 million programme, which is a partnership between Barclays, Groundwork and the Football Foundation. The aim of the programme is to create safe high quality accessible areas for local people to enjoy sporting activities.

Dover Local Board Chairman Bryan Cope said: "I am delighted we have been able to work with the District Council through the Local Board to support projects that will make such a difference to young people living in Dover as well as help regenerate the area."

Cllr Nigel Collor, DDC Cabinet Member for Property Management said: "This is a great example of how we are working with KCC and our partners in the community for the future of the area. We are very grateful to local skaters who have put a lot of time into working with us on this project, and who have been extremely creative in developing and supporting this new look skate park. Our attention is now on providing an improved facility for Deal as soon as possible and we look forward to continuing to work with all our partners in the community to continue to develop youth facilities for the future."

Jo Roy, Manager of the Barclays branch in Dover said: "Barclays has been delighted to support this site with a £50,000 donation from our Spaces for Sports initiative. I hope that the skate park gives a lot of people a lot of pleasure for a long time to come."