THE Wells Skatepark Project is celebrating a major early milestone, with its Crowdfunder passing £7,000 and more than 65 supporters already backing the campaign to build a new destination skatepark.
With the latest contributions included, the total raised so far stands at more than £80,000, thanks to a mix of community events, direct donations, Mendip District Council support and funding from trusts and foundations.
Since launching the Crowdfunder in May, the volunteer-led campaign has seen strong early backing from individuals, families and local businesses. Supporters include The Square Play Centre, Glenavon Technology, local tech YouTuber Tom ‘The Tech Chap’, Kingdom Training Gym, the Mayor of Wells Louis Agabani, Party Packs Ltd, and Wolf Barbers. Creative fundraising has also played a role with local DJ collective 3SEVEN6 hosting a night at The King Arthur in Glastonbury, and young skater Bassy raising £15 from his neighbours.
The local community has already shown impressive support – now organisers are calling on more people and businesses in the city to get involved and help push the project forward.
“We’re thrilled by the response so far – the support has been generous and heartfelt,” said Beverley Smith, trustee of the Wells Skatepark Project. “Now we want to build capital and show potential major funders that the community is truly behind this.”
The new skatepark will provide a free, safe and vibrant space for young people, families and anyone on wheels to stay active, build confidence and connect across generations. Located next to The Blue School, it is expected to draw users from Wells, Shepton Mallet, Glastonbury, Street and the surrounding villages.
To encourage local business support, the project team has launched the ‘Make Your Mark on the Park’ sponsorship scheme, offering permanent recognition on the main skate ramp for contributions of £250, £1,000, or £5,000+.
Community fundraising continues to grow: the 5th/7th Wells Scout Group will be organising a sponsored walk; Queen Street Deli is collecting donations; and Fosso Lounge will be hosting a fundraising event.
Local businesses have also stepped up to support the project by offering rewards to those donating through the Crowdfunder. Perks include cakes, coffees and pizzas from LOAF; gaming vouchers from INSANE Games; activity passes from Mendip Activity Centre; family tickets to Wookey Hole; a skate bundle from Lost Projects; training sessions at Pumphouse Gym; tickets to the Godney Gathering, and more. People can pick a reward by heading to the Crowdfunder and making a donation, but should be quick, as many of the rewards are limited.
Meanwhile, the Glastonbury Festival bin painters are the latest to join the creative side of the campaign, contributing to a skateboard art auction led by Mayor Louis Agabani in partnership with Wells Art Contemporary. The exhibition is now confirmed for October 8 to November 1 at Wells Cathedral, with world-renowned skate photographer Skin Phillips curating the show – a huge honour for the project.
“It’s inspiring to see the community coming together to create something lasting, it will be a vibrant, inclusive space that will benefit generations of local people and become a real asset to the city, and who knows, Wells maybe supporting the next skateboard Olympian,” said Beverley.
To donate, go to www.crowdfunder.co.uk/skatewells