YOUNG skateboarders and BMX riders are preparing to show off their skills at new £60,000 facilities.
The refurbished skatepark in St Mary’s Recreation Ground in Swanley will be officially opened on August 24, after young people joined forces with Swanley Town Council to raise money.
In 2008 the youngsters asked the council to improve the original wooden skatepark, which was built in 1999, and together they started a campaign to raise funds to replace it with metal ramps.
They persuaded Kent County Council to donate £45,000, the young people raised £1,000 themselves, and the town council made up the difference with a £14,000 grant.
Town council leader Councillor Ian Rashbrook said “It has been amazing to see our young people so actively involved in this project by attending meetings, organising petitions and fundraising.”
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