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Mumbles skatepark, a triumph against the odds

What started to be a most wanted but affordable seafront concrete skatepark in Mumbles, Swansea, Wales, became a legal battle between the skateboarding community and some minor (but financial empowered) group of objectors, including Bonie Tylers’ husband, who did not want to have a skatepark close do their mansions. Five years later, though, the dream came true. Skateboarding won.

Mumbles skatepark in Swansea, Wales, was projected in 2018 with a 199.000-pound budget ($240.000/€224.000), but due to legal costs the final investment went up to double. Throughout this process a large and loudly community stepped up, putting in place many initiatives. But what called the attention of the mass media was the moment when a multimillionaire harassed some kids: the video went viral and helped the cause. We talked to Jason Williams, chairman of Mumbles Skatepark Association, who explained what went wrong, what people did to stand out and how hard was to go against those who have the money to stop, or at least postpone, a dream of so many. «The whole thing became a political hot potato and I’m glad to say we managed to use all this to the advantage of the project», he says. Built by Maverick Skateparks, it was opened last Friday, the 17th of February 2023.

What was the trigger that made you stepping forward against those people who wanted to stop building the skatepark?

It was all about getting a concrete park. Swansea’s got a rich surf and skate history, and a concrete park was long overdue. We get that not everyone wants a skatepark or feels an area need a skatepark, but there was a massive support for the park, and we had to co-ordinate to ensure the very vocal minority didn’t overshadow what a skatepark brings to a community.

Tell us about the process of making your association.

Tomsk, Will and Jono were all involved from the beginning, advising the local council, but once initial planning permission for the project was granted, it was clear a more formal group/association was needed. Ironically, I didn’t attend the first meeting, but got voted in as chair and told afterwards!

What kind of initiatives did you put in place?

We held some meeting etc, but really relied on social media to engage with the communities (skate, bmx etc). We also worked closely with the local council driving the project and lobbied the larger County Council as well.

“There was also an incident where the individuals had threatened some kids using the mini ramp on site, which was filmed and went viral. Following that, the amount of support for the project skyrocketed and it all went pretty viral.”

Then, it came local opposition…

Yes, it got complicated when some local opposition with significant financial backing issued a judicial review in an attempt to stop the project, which really seemed to galvanise those in favour. There was also an incident where the individuals had threatened some kids using the mini ramp on site, which was filmed and went viral. Following that, the amount of support for the project sky rocketed and it all went pretty viral. Hitting local, national and international press and web sites. The whole thing became a political hot potato and I’m glad to say we managed to use all this to the advantage of the project.

How did non skater people react to your advocacy? Where they just ignoring or did they join the ‘battle’? Was this more than just a skatepark?

Overall, pretty good. Throughout, we’ve focussed on the positives a skatepark brings and the importance of an open, visible, accessible site. Covid and lockdown really shone a light on the need for free, accessible facilities and the whole start of this came from school kids saying they wanted a skate park, so the parents were all in favour. With the issues mentioned above, that support just went off the scale (our online petition went from 4500 signatures to 24000 signatures in a week!).

Could you name special episodes that took place that you will remember for ever?

So many moments: the ‘incident’ and being contacted by local and national press, including TV interviews with the BBC. Our story appearing in pretty much all the UK press. Being asked to participate in a debate on live national radio (cancelled at the last minute as no-one was prepared to participate from the group that issued the judicial review). A local brewery creating a delicious beer and soda called Damn the Man, to help fundraise. Finally getting everything signed off, the building of the park started.

What kind of support did you have across this prolonged period? Legal, mostly?

None, really. We did have some well-wishers giving us informal advice, but we pretty much worked it out ourselves. The core of the Association are older, so experience from work, friends etc helped. When it came to the formal legal issues, the Council led and we fed in as much as we could, to ensure the right messaging was coming across. We did have to get involved in formal council stuff, but again, we just worked it out.

“Bonnie Tyler’s husband was one of the group who signed the judicial review”

How those people who wanted to stop building the skatepark changed their behaviour as your voice got bigger? Is it true that singer Bonnie Tyler was one of those at the frontline?

Bonnie Tyler’s husband was one of the group who signed the judicial review.

They were all in the background really and thought they could throw money and big-time lawyers at it and get it shut down. We were lucky that the local councils really saw what the skatepark could provide and bought into the project. That meant they worked through the legal challenge, rather than rolling over. It helped that there was so much press about ‘the incident’ and a huge amount of focus and support on the project.

Because of this legal battle the skatepark will cost much more. How and who do you think should pay the difference?

Yeah, that sucks. Not just legal costs but build costs increased, all because a bunch of millionaires tried to stop it. Luckily, we did get support from lottery funding and the Mumbles Community Council made up the difference.

“I’d recommend every project gets a panto villain to bring the community together!”

This episode had impact at the media, like you said. Do you think your cause could be an example for other organizations around the world?

Absolutely, I’d recommend every project gets a panto villain to bring the community together! In all seriousness, I don’t know if we did the best job, or if we were just lucky. Also, each project has a different context and different challenges. In a nutshell, we tried to remain positive, repeat key messages about community (not just skate, bmx community) and the wider benefits of skateparks, tie in politicians and councillors wherever possible, and just kept pushing.

If you had to ‘baptize’ this skatepark on a consequence of this social movement, what would be its name?

Loads of people have come up with ideas already, mainly as a big FU to those who were against it. Me, I don’t really care, I’m just over the moon it’s there. Let’s call it ‘one’, as we’re already talking to the local council about a possible 2 or 3 more parks.

Visit Mumbles skatepark Find out more about Maverick skateparks

By Manu Silva

Europe vs USA: Who Has More Skateparks?

A Tale of Two Continents on Four Wheels When people think about the heart of skateboarding, the United States usually takes the spotlight. From the iconic spots of California to the roots of modern street skating, the U.S. has played a huge role in shaping skate culture as we know it. But when it comes to numbers—how many places you can actually go skate—Europe quietly takes the lead. Let’s break it down. Size Matters (But Barely) At first glance, you might think the United States of America, has the upper hand just based on space. After all, it’s massive, right? Well, turns out Europe and the U.S. are nearly the same size. United States: 9.83 million square kilometers Europe: 10.18 million square kilometers That means Europe is just about 104,480 square kilometers larger—so, not a major difference in land area. Skatepark Numbers: Europe Pulls Ahead Now, here's where it gets interesting. Skateparks + Asphalt Pump Tracks in the USA: 3,740 Skateparks + Asphalt Pump Tracks in Europe: 9,831Yes, you read that right. Europe has over 2.5 times more skateparks and pump tracks than the United States. This includes everything from world-class concrete parks in places like Malmö (Sweden) or Barcelona (Spain) to modern asphalt pump tracks popping up across Germany, France, and Eastern Europe.People Per Park: The Real Density Battle Let’s bring population into the mix. How many people does each park serve on average? United States Population: ~332 million Europe Population: ~746 million Now let’s calculate: USA: 1 skatepark for every ~88,770 people Europe: 1 skatepark for every ~75,880 people Even though Europe has a significantly higher population, the number of parks keeps pace—and even beats the U.S. when it comes to accessibility. What Does This Mean? It flips the script a bit. While the U.S. may dominate skateboarding in terms of global influence, media, and history, Europe is quietly building a stronger physical infrastructure for the next generation of skaters. The sheer number of accessible spots, especially in smaller towns, makes Europe an underrated gem for skateboarding and pump track culture. In recent years, funding for public sports infrastructure in Europe has prioritized multi-use spaces like skateparks and pump tracks, especially in places like France, Germany, and the Netherlands. Local municipalities see the value not just in terms of sport, but community engagement and youth culture. The Bottom Line While the U.S. gave skateboarding to the world, Europe is giving it room to grow. If you’re a skater looking to travel, explore, or even relocate, Europe might be your new paradise. Whether you’re bombing hills in Lisbon, cruising pump tracks in the Alps, or skating DIY spots in Eastern Europe, the scene is alive and thriving.

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Odivelas skatepark - European Skatepark Tour – EP 83

Exploring Odivelas Skatepark: A Classic Portuguese Skate Spot Reimagined Our journey across Europe's skateparks continues, and this time we’re stopping at one of Portugal’s most iconic skate destinations—Odivelas Skatepark. Known to locals as "Torre do Skatepark," this legendary spot has been a staple of the Portuguese skateboarding scene for decades. Located in Odivelas, Lisbon, this park holds a special place in the hearts of skaters, both for its historical significance and its impressive evolution. Originally built as one of Portugal's first major skateparks, Odivelas has long been a gathering place for skateboarders of all levels. In 2020, the park underwent a major renovation led by Wasteland Skateparks and Apark, the former Academia dos Patins, bringing a fresh, modern feel to its well-loved features while preserving its raw essence. The revamped Odivelas Skatepark now boasts a smooth concrete bowl integrated with a halfpipe, providing endless lines for transition skaters. The street section, though compact, is thoughtfully designed with ledges, banks, and rails, ensuring that every skater, regardless of style, finds something to enjoy. As part of our mission to document and explore skateparks across Europe, we couldn’t pass up the chance to experience Odivelas firsthand. In our latest video, we take you through the park, showcasing its unique features, the local skate scene, and the smooth flow that makes this place a must-visit. Join us as we dive into the world of Odivelas Skatepark. Whether you’re a local, a visitor, or simply a fan of great skate spots, this video tour will give you an inside look at what makes this park so special.

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Cantelowes Skatepark: A London Skateboarding Landmark

Origins in the 1980s and Early Popularity of Cantelowes Skatepark Cantelowes Skatepark, located in Cantelowes Gardens in Camden, north London, traces its roots back to the late 1980s. The original skatepark was a basic concrete facility built by the local council, and by 2007 it was about 20 years old​. Despite its rough design (the concrete eventually cracked and the layout was considered rudimentary), the park quickly became a beloved spot for skaters from all over London​. Throughout the 1990s, Cantelowes developed a reputation as a core skate spot. Local skateboard jams were common – skaters would gather for informal contests or just to session the park together. ​ The original park’s simple banks and ramps still drew riders from across the city​. Many notable UK skateboarders of the era paid visits to Cantelowes. For example, in the late 90s pro skater Scott Palmer famously landed a high kickflip-to-fakie on Cantelowes’ steep concrete bank. Fellow British pros like John Rattray and Paul Shier also pulled off memorable tricks on that same bank (including a lofty melon grab over the fence and a caballerial flip), further cementing the park’s place in local skate lore​. Even earlier in the 90s, legendary UK photographer Skin Phillips shot Carl Shipman at Cantelowes for RAD magazine, an indication that the park was on the radar of the wider skateboarding media​. In short, by the turn of the millennium Cantelowes Skatepark was considered a historic part of London’s skate scene – scrappy and aging, but important as a gathering place and proving ground for skaters. Community-Driven Redevelopment in 2007 By the mid-2000s, it was clear that Cantelowes Skatepark needed a major upgrade. Camden Council initiated a £1.5 million redevelopment of Cantelowes Gardens, which included replacing the aging skatepark​. Rather than leave the design solely to hired contractors, a group of local skaters and BMXers – nicknamed the “Cantelocals” – became deeply involved in the project​. Veteran skaters Matt Elms, Jeremy Donaldson, Hareth Pochee and others volunteered their professional skills (in architecture, engineering and construction) to help plan and oversee a “world-class” skatepark rebuild on their old stomping ground​. The team secured funding (including a grant from Sport England) and collaborated with a skatepark contractor (Wheelscape) to make their vision a reality​. Construction took place in 2006–2007, and the new concrete park was completed in spring 2007. A launch party in April 2007 celebrated the reopening, drawing a huge crowd of skaters and families to Cantelowes Gardens; the atmosphere was “brilliant,” with music and a sense of pride in the community-built facility​. The rejuvenated Cantelowes Skatepark now featured modern, high-quality concrete obstacles and promised longevity that the old park lacked. Features and Evolution of the New Skatepark The 2007 reconstruction transformed Cantelowes into one of the premier skateparks in the UK. The design the Cantelocals came up with offers something for everyone – from beginners to seasoned pros. The centerpiece is a sprawling concrete bowl complex, often praised as one of the biggest and best outdoor bowls in Britain​. This bowl has multiple sections of varying depth (including a deep end with pool-style coping and a unique “cradle” or clam-shaped over-vertical section), plus hips and roll-in entry points that let skaters flow through different lines​. Wrapping around the bowl is an L-shaped street course, which incorporates flat banks, a large banked hip, ledges, manual pads, a rail and other street obstacles​. This mix of terrain means the park caters to various styles – riders can carve the bowl, then hop out to hit street lines along the perimeter. The entire park is all concrete, providing a smooth, fast surface (a deliberate choice to avoid the bumpy tarmac and noisy metal ramps that plagued lesser skateparks)​. Cantelowes also remained free to use and open to BMX riders, inline skaters and scooters as well, keeping with its roots as a community youth facility. Over the years since reopening, minor additions and wear-and-tear have occurred (some ledges are a bit worn now​), but overall the park’s layout remains as built in 2007. Importantly, Cantelowes Skatepark has continued to be a focal point for the skateboarding community – a place where young skaters hone their skills and veterans gather to skate for fun. Its combination of historic legacy and top-notch modern design makes it a must-visit spot. In fact, many describe it as “widely recognised as one of the biggest and best” skateparks in London, if not the entire country​. Notable Events, Tricks, and Famous Visitors Throughout its history, Cantelowes Skatepark has hosted numerous events and attracted famous skaters, further underlining its importance in the skate community. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the park saw grassroots “jam” competitions organized by locals – sessions that often became legendary. After the renovation, Cantelowes gained international attention when Quiksilver selected it as the UK venue for their Bowlriders contest series in 2007. This meant that out of all parks in the country, Cantelowes was chosen to host the British qualifier for a Europe-wide bowl-riding championship. The inaugural Quiksilver Bowlriders event at the new Cantelowes was a highlight: top bowl skaters from around the UK (and some from abroad) shredded the new bowl in front of a crowd. Local up-and-comer Ben Raemers took first place in the UK finals held at Cantelowes in May 2007, securing his spot to represent Britain at the Bowlriders finals in Malmö, Sweden​. This was a breakout moment for Raemers – who would go on to become a celebrated pro skater – and it firmly put Cantelowes on the map as a competition-grade park. The following year, Quiksilver Bowlriders returned to Cantelowes (May 2008) for another full day of “bowl orientated mayhem,” again drawing big names and solidifying the park’s reputation for hosting high-caliber events​. Cantelowes’ iconic bowl has also been the stage for some remarkable tricks captured in skate videos and magazines. During the Quiksilver contests, for instance, renowned Spanish skater Javier Mendizábal wowed onlookers by pulling a frontside rock-and-roll on the bowl’s cradle – a challenging move on an over-vertical feature – which he later recalled as a standout memory​. It was at that same event that Mendizábal met a young Ben Raemers for the first time, exemplifying how Cantelowes became a crossroads for international and local talent​. Over the years, various skate videos and demo reels have included footage at Cantelowes, taking advantage of its mix of obstacles; even the National Lottery featured the skatepark in a commercial, highlighting it as a successful community project (some of the funding for the park came via lottery grants). Prominent UK pro skaters such as Lucien Clarke and Chewy Cannon have been spotted at Cantelowes during London skate tours, and the park is frequently visited by traveling skaters from around the globe who want to test out its famed bowl. In the 2010s, Cantelowes also became a favorite training ground for younger skaters – for example, in interviews, London youth skaters have cited Cantelowes as one of their favorite places to skate, noting the “massive” bowl and the camaraderie they find there​. Importance to the Skateboarding Community Cantelowes Skatepark’s evolution from a humble 1980s local spot to a modern, world-class facility encapsulates a larger story of the UK skateboarding community. It stands as a testament to skaters taking initiative – the 2007 rebuild was community-driven, resulting in a park built by skaters, for skaters. This has made Cantelowes a source of pride in London’s skate scene. The park provides a free, outdoor space where generations of skaters have learned to drop in, refine their kickflips, or attempt their first airs in a bowl. Its location in Camden – long known for alternative culture and youth activities – further anchors skateboarding as part of the local community fabric. Cantelowes has hosted charity skate jams, lessons for kids (local skate coaches often use it for teaching), and it draws a diverse crowd of riders. As one North London skate club described it, Cantelowes offers “a lot to offer both beginners and the more experienced skater,” creating a welcoming atmosphere for all​. In terms of legacy, Cantelowes is frequently mentioned alongside other historic London skate spots like South Bank and Harrow. However, unlike some spots that have faced threats of closure or redevelopment, Cantelowes benefited from proactive investment and continues to thrive. Its successful renovation has even served as a model for other communities – showing how involving local skaters can result in facilities that truly meet the needs of the scene. Today, Cantelowes Skatepark is both a high-quality skate destination and a living piece of London skateboarding history. From the days of cracked concrete and DIY contests in the 90s, to hosting pro competitions and video shoots in the 2000s, and now anchoring a new generation of skaters, Cantelowes has continually evolved while maintaining its core spirit. In the words of one skater involved in its rebuild, there has always been “a lot of excitement about this in the skateboarding world”​– a sentiment that remains true as Cantelowes Skatepark carries its legacy forward.Visist Cantelowes skatepark on skate map

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Stockwell Skatepark: London's Iconic OG Concrete Playground

Stockwell Skatepark: The OG Brixton Bowls Spot If you’ve ever skated London, you probably already know about Stockwell Skatepark—aka Brixton Bowls or Brixton Beach. This legendary spot has been holding it down since 1978, making it one of the oldest skateparks in the UK. It’s a pure concrete paradise, no nonsense, just raw flow, speed, and a legacy of skaters carving lines here for decades. The Setup Stockwell isn’t your standard skatepark with ledges, rails, and perfect transitions. Instead, it’s an organic, free-flowing landscape designed by Lorne Edwards, the same dude who built the first UK skatepark in Portland, Dorset. The park has a huge snake run, tons of bumps, and a new bowled corner with coping, making it a dream for transition skaters. The fresh quarter pipe along the northern wall adds even more ways to keep your lines going. The Vibes The scene at Stockwell is as iconic as the park itself. BMXers, bladers, and skaters of all generations keep the energy high. Whether you're a local or just rolling through, there's always someone throwing down lines or just chilling with a beer, soaking up the Brixton sun. The place is fully free and open 24/7, so whether you’re an early morning cruiser or a night shredder, Stockwell is always ready. The Revamp Stockwell has seen some love over the years, and in 2022, it got a massive £500,000 refurb. Lambeth Council teamed up with Friends of Stockwell Skatepark and Betongpark to refresh the surface, enhance the flow, and add some much-needed updates while keeping the original charm. They brought back the red concrete, giving a nod to its 90s and 2000s golden era, and even installed a plaque dedicated to Lorne Edwards and another for BMX legend Charlie Reynolds. How to Get There Stockwell Skatepark is super easy to find, sitting right on Stockwell Road (SW9 9TN). If you’re coming by tube, Brixton Station (Victoria Line) is just a short push away, and tons of buses (2, 196, 322, 333, 345, N2) drop you close by. Why You Gotta Hit It This is one of those parks that never gets old. It’s not about perfect tricks or playing skatepark chess—Stockwell is all about speed, flow, and creativity. The lines are endless, the history is deep, and the locals keep it real. If you love skating, you owe it to yourself to carve a few laps at Brixton Bowls. Keep the legacy rolling!Visit Stockwell skatepark on skate map

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Saintes Bowl Skatepark – A 70s Skateboarding Relic Still Ripping in France

Saintes Bowl Skatepark – The Ultimate 70s Skateboarding Relic If you're rolling through France hunting for concrete history, Saintes Bowl Skatepark is a must-hit. Built in 1978, this old-school beast in Saintes, Charente-Maritime, is a time capsule of transition skating, a place that has seen skateboarding evolve while keeping its roots deep in raw concrete. It’s one of the oldest surviving skateparks in France, and if you love flowing lines, deep bowls, and that pure 70s skate energy, you need to check this spot out. The Story Behind the Concrete Back in the late 70s, when skateboarding was just catching fire in Europe, a bunch of die-hard French skaters came together to fight for a proper spot to ride. Their push paid off, and in 1978, Saintes became home to one of France’s first real skateparks—complete with a gnarly snake-run feeding into two big bowls. The design was straight out of the early skatepark playbook: pure carve-and-flow vibes, built for high-speed slashing and old-school pool-style skating. Unlike so many other early parks that got bulldozed when skating dipped in the 80s, Saintes survived. The concrete stayed, the lines stayed, and even when street skating took over, the bowl stayed waiting. Fast forward 46 years, and Saintes Bowl is still serving up some of the smoothest lines in France. The Spot – What to Expect Saintes Bowl isn’t your typical modern skatepark—it’s a certified transition paradise. The main attraction? A killer snake-run that funnels speed straight into the deep bowls. If you’re into surfing concrete, this place is built for speed, flow, and aggressive grinds. The graffiti-covered walls and worn-in transitions tell the story of decades of skaters leaving their mark. It’s DIY in spirit, but the concrete holds up, and the locals keep it alive. Over the years, BMX riders and skaters alike have kept this place running, and while newer parks have popped up in Saintes, nothing beats this OG bowl. Who’s Shredded Here? This spot has legendary status in French skate culture. Some of the earliest French transition skaters, including pioneers from Bordeaux and Paris, used to session here in the late 70s and early 80s. Through the 90s and early 2000s, skaters on European road trips made pilgrimages to Saintes to experience one of France’s original skatepark builds. No, it’s not as famous as Marseille’s Prado Bowl, but real ones know. If you’ve ever flipped through a French skate mag, chances are you’ve seen shots of someone tearing up the snake-run at Saintes. It’s been featured in local skate zines, YouTube edits, and underground transition documentaries, all celebrating the pure speed and surfy flow this park delivers. Featured in Skate Media Saintes Bowl has appeared in various French skate magazines, blogs, and local news features. It’s been called a “skateboarding relic” and one of the last surviving 70s parks in Europe. While it hasn’t been in massive productions like Thrasher tours, it’s a staple in French skate history and keeps getting rediscovered by new generations. You’ll find footage of the snake-run getting slashed by transition heads on YouTube, and there are a few legendary road trip videos from skaters who hit Saintes along with other old-school concrete parks. If you’re looking for a raw, untouched, no-frills bowl experience, this is the spot. Why You Need to Skate Saintes If you love bowls, speed lines, and history under your wheels, Saintes is calling. It's not just another skatepark; it’s a piece of European skateboarding heritage that’s still shreddable today. Whether you’re into high-speed carves, classic 70s transitions, or just want to session a place that has stood the test of time, Saintes Bowl is an experience every real skater needs.📍 Spot Details: Location: Saintes, Charente-Maritime, France

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