Three months in the making and coming it at the cost of £250,000, the newly designed King George V skatepark opened its doors to skaters, bikers and scooters last week.

The project was delivered by North Herts Council in partnership with Groundwork East and Canvas Spaces and has been shaped by local riders throughout the design process.

When this correspondent went down to visit the skatepark over the weekend its safe to say that it was proving popular with children and young adults - seemingly answering those who during the consultation phase asked for a more serious facility with more in common with that in Norton Common, Letchworth.

Poignantly a pedestal in the centre of the park is dedicated to Ben Patane (2007-2024) "the boy who loved to skate".

One big question for the council is how they will approach graffiti on the new park. Elsewhere designers have called in professional artists to decorate the facilities, sadly there was already small amounts of graffiti on display a few days into the new Hitchin park opening.

A council spokesperson explained that "graffiti and street art are part of skate culture, and we recognise the creativity they bring to spaces like KGV Skatepark. Artistic pieces that reflect the skate community will remain in place. However, we have zero tolerance for hate - any offensive, racist, or abusive graffiti is removed immediately. Other small or non-offensive markings are cleaned as part of routine maintenance, helping keep the park safe, welcoming, and true to the culture that makes it unique".

As users settle into the new facility it will be interesting to see how the different users co-exist on the site.

In the past the old park was a popular place for Strathmore kids to play after school.

Canvas carried out a series of design workshops with the local community, to ensure the skatepark was tailored to their needs and accommodated their requirements.

Responders specifically requested a big bowl to be included in the layout of the new skatepark, as well as a street section with some classic features, such as a ledge and flat bar.

A separate mini ramp has also been included, giving users a place to practise away from the main action.

The finished park offers a variety of elements for users of different skill levels as well as spaces for spectators. The new facility features:

• Three distinct zones allowing multiple users to ride simultaneously
• A 3-ft standalone mini ramp for practicing tricks and building confidence
• A street area with grind ledges, euro gap, flat bank, quarter pipe, and grind rail
• A large 6-ft L-shaped open bowl with an 8-ft extension – one of the largest in the region

Cllr Amy Allen, Executive Member for Environment, said: "It's fantastic to see the new skatepark open at King George V Recreation Ground.

"This project is a great example of what can be achieved when we work closely with local residents and skatepark users. The result is a vibrant, inclusive space were skaters, riders and families can come together and have fun."

A community celebration event is set to take place in Spring 2026. The event will feature skate and BMX displays, beginner-friendly workshops, music, and refreshments, creating a fun day out for all ages.