**Construction of New Skate Park in Bridgend Set to Commence by Autumn**
Plans for a fresh skate park in Bridgend are moving forward, with construction anticipated to start later this year. The announcement follows the closure of an ageing facility in 2022, and has been met with enthusiasm from local leaders and skateboarding enthusiasts alike.
Maverick Skateparks, a UK-based company renowned for its expertise in spray concrete skatepark design and installation, has unveiled artist’s impressions showing the future layout of the Brackla Ridge Playing Area site. The visual plans reveal a vibrant and contemporary park comprising newly-designed ramps, jumps and rails, alongside a dedicated seating section intended to provide a community-friendly environment.
Located approximately two miles from Bridgend town centre, the new development aims to replace the much-loved skatepark that originally opened in 2000. That venue was shut down two years ago after being deemed no longer viable due to age and maintenance costs.
Bridgend County Borough Council has allocated £250,000 to fund the creation of the new skate park, demonstrating significant investment in youth and leisure infrastructure in the area. The move forms part of the council’s broader ambitions to enhance recreational facilities across the borough.
Councillor John Spanswick, the leader of Bridgend Council and representative for Brackla West Central, addressed the latest developments during a recent full meeting. He stated, “I’m delighted to see that final plans have been revealed for the replacement skate park facility at Brackla. This high-quality development takes into account valuable feedback from residents and users.”
He added that Maverick Skateparks was working closely with the council to ensure that the design meets both local aspirations and safety standards. “The artist’s impressions highlight our ambition and commitment towards fostering modern leisure opportunities for young people,” said Councillor Spanswick.
The initiative comes amid ongoing improvements to children’s play areas throughout the borough. According to Councillor Spanswick, nearly half of an ambitious scheme to refurbish 98 play parks has already been completed, with the council pledging to update all sites with modern, accessible equipment.
In a further boost to local sports infrastructure, Bridgend Council recently secured over £400,000 in funding to refurbish the artificial sports pitch at Bryntirion Comprehensive. This project, much like the forthcoming skate park, is intended to bring older facilities up to current standards and better serve the growing needs of local communities.
The closure of Bridgend’s previous skatepark in 2022 was met with disappointment by many residents, highlighting the importance of safe, modern recreational spaces for young people. The new Brackla skate park aims not only to fill that gap, but also to serve as a model for future community-driven leisure projects in the county.
As Bridgend County Borough Council presses ahead with its investment in play and sports, many locals are hopeful that the fresh skate park will provide a lively hub for young people and families. The coming months will see further updates as ground is broken on this much-anticipated facility, underscoring Bridgend’s dedication to nurturing active, engaged communities.