Teams of up to four players are being invited to take part in Purbeck’s first shuffleboard tournament in recent times, alongside table football and beer pong, to help buy new ramps for Swanage Skatepark.
The event from 7 pm on Thursday 30th May 2024 takes place at the entertainment venue The FONC Lounge in the lower High Street in Swanage, Dorset.
There’s now a large space where the old skatepark ramps used to be but the hope is to replace them with even better facilities
Rebuild Swanage Skatepark
Swanage Skatepark Community Project is looking to rebuild the skatepark in King George Playing Fields off Victoria Avenue after some of the ramps were removed in 2023 when they became unsafe to use.
All money raised from the tournament’s entry fee of £5 a person will go directly to the Swanage Skatepark Crowdfunder, which initially aims to raise £20,000.
However time is ticking, as the sum needs to be reached by 9th June 2024 in order to receive £6,000 in match funding from Sport England.
Will Rudge who owns the FONC Lounge, is backing the Swanage Skatepark fundraiser
Fond memories
Owner of The FONC Lounge Will Rudge, who has fond memories of spending time at his local skatepark growing up, said:
“I understand what a valuable asset Swanage Skatepark is to the community, which is why I wanted to get involved and support this great cause by offering The FONC Lounge as a venue.”
“We want to create a more social space for the benefit of the town and using the venue for nights like this skatepark fundraiser is an example of that vision.”
Ready to play shuffleboard?
Traditional table football at the FONC Lounge
Unique event
The table shuffleboard at The FONC Lounge is thought to be only one of its kind in Purbeck, making this tournament a unique event.
The game involves pushing discs down the shuffleboard with the aim of them stopping in the high scoring zone.
While beer pong is not a regular feature at the venue, a special table will be organised for the occasion and to allow under 18s to join in, soft drinks will be used.
The top three teams will receive what are described as exciting prize bundles!
The FONC Lounge is in the lower High Street, opposite Gee Whites
The venue was completely refurbished over winter 2023/4
“All for a great cause”
The new community group, the Swanage Skatepark Community Project was set up in 2023 under the umbrella of the Swanage and Purbeck Development Trust, to ensure long term support for the much used youth and family facility.
While raising £20,000 is the immediate target, the project team hopes to raise £225,000 with the aim of making the skatepark the best in Dorset.
Heidi Florence from the Swanage Skatepark Community Project said:
“Join us at The FONC Lounge on the 30th May for an evening of fun and competition, all for a great cause.
“Let’s come together to support the Swanage Skatepark and ensure it continues to be a valuable space for the community!”
Huge potential to improve Swanage’s skatepark with new ramps
Community Day at Swanage Skatepark
The next event at the Swanage Skatepark is its Community Day on Saturday 1st June 2024, funded by the charity #Willdoes.
The schedule for the day has just been finalised with skateboard beginner lessons, pro demos and hip hop dance classes by instructor Luciele Crisp.
Community Day schedule – Saturday 1st June 2024
- 12 noon to 1 pm – Skateboard workshops hosted by two of the countries top professionals (all equipment provided)
- 1 pm to 1.20 pm – Professional skateboard and BMX demonstrations
- 1.20 pm to 2.30 pm – Open practice session. Ride with the pro’s
- 2.30 pm to 4.30 pm – Skateboard / BMX competitions. These will be split into age groups based on the age of those taking part
- 4.30 pm to 4.50 pm – Professional demonstrations
- 4.50 pm to 5 pm – Prize giving
- 5 pm – Event finishes
Everyone is invited to come along to the community day with barbecue food provided by Swanage cafe Burnt Toast.
Watch the Swanage Skatepark video
Further information
- Shuffleboard, Table Football and Beer Pong Tournament at The FONC Lounge on Thursday, 30th May 2024 from 7 pm. Price £5 per person (cash preferred). Contact Heidi Florence via email Heidi.haberdashery@gmail.com
- Donate towards the £20,000 target via Swanage Skatepark’s Crowdfunder page
- Latest news from the Swanage Skatepark community project
- More about the FONC Lounge
