The new Richard Taylor Memorial Skatepark was officially opened on Saturday morning by the Vale of Glamorgan Council and supporters of the Richard Taylor Memorial Fund.
Over £300,000 was raised to invest in the new concrete freeform skatepark with funding from the Vale of Glamorgan Council, Sport Wales, the Richard Taylor Memorial Fund, the Waterloo Foundation, South Wales Police Youth Trust, and the National Lottery Community Fund.
Over the past five months Bendcrete Ltd have been working hard to build the new facility, using a spray-concrete method, which lends itself to the unique shapes and contours of skatepark ramps.
Users were very pleased to see the new skatepark open after a three-year campaign to raise the funds, agree the design, and appoint the contractor to build the skatepark.
There were a mix of all ages, disciplines and abilities ready to use the new facility when it was officially opened last weekend.
The Leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Councill, Cllr Lis Burnett, remarked on “how fantastic it was to see everyone enjoying the brand-new facility as soon as we announced its opening.”
“We would not have got to this point had we all not come together to find the funding to realise the local community’s wishes.”
The final design was agreed following extensive consultation with the local community, who worked closely with Bendcrete to agree the elements that should be included in the park.
Cllr Burnett added: “I’m particularly pleased to see young girls on their skateboards and scooters braving the biggest ramps.”
Gaynor Taylor, who is the mother of the late Richard Taylor, cut the ribbon on Saturday to a round of applause and cheers. Gaynor went around personally thanking all of those who supported the Richard Taylor Memorial Trust to raise the funds to replace the former skate ramps which had been installed in 2007 in tribute to Richard Taylor.
Gaynor added: “it was so good to see all ages and all disciplines using and enjoying the skatepark straight away.
“I’m so happy that Richard’s legacy lives on.”
