Churchdown SkateJam 2016

Skaters and bikers from across the country will descend on Churchdown next month as the Churchdown Skate Jam is set to return.

The Skate Jam is now in its fifth year after the skate park opened in late 2011.

Churchdown Skatepark Jam 2016 will take place on Saturday 25th June 12:00 – 16:00 at Churchdown Park.

In that time the skate park has developed a reputation as one of the best in the south-west and Skate Jam has become its crowning glory.

Richard Inskip, who works with Maverick the company that built the skate park, said: “Churchdown has really good facility; it is one of the better ones in the area.

“It is a catalyst for what can be achieved in an area because it has been a really positive addition and is well used.”

Mr Inskip helped to open the skate park in 2011 and has been the MC at Skate Jam events since.

He added: “It is certainly a destination skate park; it is ideally located so people come from all over to use it and it is great to see it thriving.

“Having been involved with Churchdown skate park since the beginning I do feel a sense of ownership and I always like to go back and see how well it is growing.”

Skate Jam will include BMX and skate boarding competitions for under 16 and those over 16.

There will also be demonstrations from professional skaters.

“It is always good to head back to Churchdown and see how the standard has improved in over the years,” said Mr Inskip.

“There are a couple of guys there now that aren’t far of a professional standard, which is amazing to see at a skate park that has only been there few years.”

Concrete bowls such as the one in Churchdown are common in America but less so in Britain.

Ruth Warne, Clerk and Churchdown Parish Council, said: “It is really satisfying to still be welcoming maverick back and still holding Skate Jam here.

“We are looking forward to welcoming everyone from Maverick and skaters from outside the area back to Churchdown.”

The skate park in Churchdown was built in 2011 at a cost of almost £200,000 in total.

Mrs Warne added: “It was a big investment for the parish council at the time but it has proved good value for us.

“It contributes to health and well-being in the area and has definitely been worth the investment.”

This year the skate park was used in an advert for the international skate brand Animal, as professional skater, James Threlfall recorded a promotional video in the village.

At the time Mr Threlfall described the skate park as a ‘national standard’ facility.