Residents, families and young people gathered to celebrate the official opening of the new Bearfield Skatepark in Cowbridge.
The Vale of Glamorgan Council, in partnership with Cowbridge Town Council and Wheelscape, marked the launch with a community event featuring music, prizes and open skate sessions, as local skaters and scooter riders made full use of the new facility.
The skatepark is one of the first projects to be delivered as part of the Cowbridge Placemaking Plan. Community engagement identified Bearfield as a key location where improved facilities could benefit the town, particularly its younger residents.
The project was heavily shaped by local young people, including Bruno Sochovski, whose passion for skateboarding and commitment to improving facilities in Cowbridge helped drive the scheme forward. Working closely with the Council’s Creative Communities team, Bruno gathered feedback from fellow students to ensure young people’s views were represented throughout the design process.
Pupils from Cowbridge Comprehensive School, Ysgol Iolo Morgannwg and Y Bont Faen Primary School also took part in a series of workshops, helping Wheelscape design a skatepark that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities.
Funding for the project came through Section 106 developer contributions from nearby housing developments, alongside support from Sport Wales.
Councillor Bronwen Brooks, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Sustainable Places, said: “This facility is a great example of what can be achieved when communities work together to shape the future of their town.
“Young people have played a central role in this project from the very beginning, helping to create a space that will be enjoyed for many years to come. The skatepark is an important addition to Bearfield and one of a number of exciting placemaking projects that will be delivered in Cowbridge in the years ahead.”
The opening of Bearfield Skatepark marks another milestone in the delivery of the Cowbridge Placemaking Plan and supports wider ambitions to enhance Bearfield, creating more opportunities for residents and visitors while encouraging active lifestyles.
