Covid impact drove campaign for new skatepark

A skatepark has opened in Surrey after a man set out to combat the effects of the Covid pandemic on young people.

Martin Elbourne, 70, a retired marketing consultant, helped drive plans for the new facility at Cobham, which officially opened on Saturday.

The skatepark was created following consultation with more than 200 local young people, who helped influence its design.

Elbourne said the £850,000 scheme was intended to support younger people in the community, adding: "I just wanted to do something for the children."

"If you cast your mind back to Covid, there was a big emphasis on protecting elderly people and saving the NHS," he said.

But he said another outcome that only came to light later was "the devastating impact" on younger people.

"They had disrupted education and employment prospects," he said. "Their progress and their mental health was shattered."

He said a local campaign had begun to create the skate park to bring physical and mental health benefits to youngsters.

About 200 young people contributed their views on what designs they would like to see.

The facility, created by Maverick Skateparks, is 650 to 700 sq m (6,996 to 7,534 sq ft) he said, and includes a bowl, a volcano with steep sides and a tip at the top, waves and curves in its design.

It has been created for all levels of users, with different areas of difficulty for skateboarders, BMX riders and wheelchair users.

The skatepark was delivered through a combination of fundraising, community support and planning work, and was funded by Surrey County Council's Your Fund scheme, Elmbridge Borough Council and other donations.

The site was completed at the end of August and has been handed over to its owner, Elmbridge Borough Council, Elbourne said.

An official opening jam took place on Saturday at Leg O' Mutton Field, including demonstrations from professional riders, competitions and music.

Elbourne said he was proud of what the community had achieved, describing it as a "fantastic, free-to-use facility".

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