The skate park's refurbishment forms part of the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead’s wider improvements to its play parks including the recently opened Pirate Play Park in Clewer Memorial and the Wildlife Play Park in Oaken Grove, with three more planned in the coming year.
The new Kidwells Skate Park will boast a refurbished half-pipe, new concrete ramps and ledges, quieter riding surfaces and accessible areas for users of all ages and abilities. New obstacles will be both challenging and inclusive along with new perimeter seating and more access points.
Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Leisure and Performance, Cllr Mark Wilson said: "We're delighted to see work get underway on modernising this much-loved skate park, creating a high-quality facility with the latest features that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy safely for years to come.
"Many regular users describe it as their "second home," so their passion, knowledge and enthusiasm have been instrumental in helping shape its design. Skate parks welcome people of all ages and are great places for the community to come together - it's wonderful to see experienced riders supporting younger ones and encouraging newcomers to get involved. I firmly believe the new park will be a very attractive destination for riders both in the borough and beyond.”
Tom Wright, long time skate park user and campaigner, said: “It’s been important for us to work with the council to make sure skateboarders, BMX and scooter riders are all catered for. A tough ask but I think we’ve got the right balance for everyone.
“We’re looking forward to using it but also hope it’ll inspire people to grab a skateboard or bike and give it a go. The new park is something the town should be really proud of as it's not only there for us now but also for the generations to come.”
The refurbishment is due to be completed by the end of the year subject to the weather. For more information about the Royal Borough’s other skate parks, visit the council’s website.