Purbeck families are being invited to celebrate a major milestone in the redevelopment of Swanage Skatepark with a free skate jam event at the end of the spring half term holidays.
Swanage Skatepark Community Project (SSCP) has organised the event which will take place on Saturday 30th May from 12 noon at the skatepark in King George’s playing fields, and marks the completion of phase one of the park’s redevelopment.
Phase two of the rebuild will look to build more family friendly ramps and jumps
£80,000 target set for second stage
The community group successfully raised £75,000 to fund the first stage of the rebuild, which was completed in January 2026 – and funding is already well under way towards stage two.
A target of £80,000 has been set for the second phase, to install lower ramps and features designed for beginners, younger users and families to fill the smaller empty section of the park.
But there will be a chance at the skate jam for visitors to share their ideas for the phase two design, as well as to get involved with summer fundraising to hit the target as soon as possible.
The skate jam, being hosted in partnership with King Ramps, the Dorset skatepark builder responsible for delivering the new ramps, will feature professional skateboard and BMX demonstrations, beginner coaching, and skateboard workshops.
SSCP secretary Heidi Florence, centre, James Woodford and Lorna Haines at a skatepark open day in June 2024
“Busier than it’s ever been”
Heidi Florence, SSCP secretary, said:
“This event is a huge celebration for everyone who has supported the project so far. Completing phase one is an incredible achievement for our community and we’re so proud of what’s been created.
“The new ramps have only been in place for a few months, but the positive impact has been immediately noticeable. The skatepark is busier than it’s ever been.
“We’re seeing more girls using the space, and more adults coming back to skating for the first time in years. The accessibility of the design has changed who feels welcome in this space.
“We’d love the whole community to come along to the skate jam to celebrate with us, and help support our fundraising for phase two.”
Professional skateboarder Alfie Mills will be a guest star at the skate jam
“A chance to celebrate together”
Heidi added:
“This event is all about celebrating the new ramps, the rebuild of the park, and the next generation of riders coming through in Swanage.
“We’re stoked to have professional skateboarder Alfie Mills joining us for the opening jam, as well as Jack Clark, who regularly competes in BMX events around the world. We are looking forward to some exciting pro demos, workshops and jam sessions throughout the day, brought to town by King Ramps.
“Getting these ramps built for the community has been a huge project, and this opening jam will be a chance to celebrate the improved skatepark and bring the community together.
“On behalf of the whole skatepark community we would like to say a huge thank you to King Ramps for designing and delivering such a fantastic design based on what the community wanted, as well as to all the organisations and supporters who helped make this possible.
“We are also very grateful to Carly Oliver, whose son Harry enjoys using the skatepark, for volunteering to organise a walking entry so that SSCP will be represented in the carnival procession this year.”
Professional demonstrations and workshops will be taking place on the day
Back by popular demand
Visitors to the event will also be able to enjoy a tea and cake stand provided by Purbeck WI, try their luck in a raffle and buy Swanage skatepark merchandise. Land and Wave have donated gazebos and provided a paid staff member to help out for the day.
All money raised from the event will go directly towards the phase two redevelopment project, which is already almost two-thirds of the way towards hitting its £80,0000 target.
And back by popular demand, Planet Purbeck will be pond dipping in the Swan Brook River which runs beside the skatepark, giving everyone a glimpse of life below the water.
Anyone who uses the skatepark is encouraged to complete a short online survey to help SSCP demonstrate the impact of the improvements, with the feedback being used to help strengthen future grant applications.
Breath taking BMX stunts are sure to thrill the crowds at the skate jam
Organisations and charities which helped SSCP to complete the first phase of fundraising were led by Swanage Town Council, which gave £35,000 towards the cause.
Other donations came from the Talbot Village Trust, which gave £15,000, the Valentine Trust (£10,000), Crowdfunder (£8,900), Sport England (£6,000) and Swanage and Purbeck Rotary (£100).
So far, £52,000 has been donated towards the £80,000 target for Phase 2, including £14,300 from Dorset Council and £10,000 from CostCutter Swanage.
Smaller contributions have come from Crowdfunder, Swanage Co-op, Willdoes, the Steve Bernard Foundation, the Trevor Chadwick Trust and Swanage and Purbeck Rotary.
Jack Clark, international BMXer, will be a star guest at the skate jam
Further information
- All the latest news and events are featured on the SSCP website
