Stratford-upon-Avon skatepark officially opened on Saturday 24th July 1999. Before Tony Hawk's Pro Skater. It was not only Englands biggest outdoor skatepark at the time but also one of Europe's most respected skateparks. The original facility attracted riders from across the world and helped inspire generations of local young people to take up skateboarding, BMX and rollerblading.

Over time, much of that original park was removed and replaced with a much smaller, lower-quality facility that didn't match the value or design consideration of what came before it. Despite attempts to repair and maintain the existing park, it continues to suffer from fundamental issues with its design, layout and an ageing infrastructure that no longer meets the needs of today's users.

It was great to see the recent £250,000 investment into the Recreation Ground children's play area but one day those kids will become teenagers and adults - All of whom deserve the same levels of investment into facilities for them. The £20,000 investment into 3 prefabricated ramps in 2011 were given a 15 year lifespan but the surfaces deteriorated even quicker and the ramps themselves have sunk causing abrupt transitions with repairs lasting days at best. 

While we still get riders from opening day visiting - as well as new riders making their first push while their parents watch from the sidelines - It no longer reflects the standard Stratford once set or the needs of today's growing community. Stratford used to set the standard. Now it's been left behind, and it's community with it.

Many other towns have seen the need to invest in the wheeled sports community. Maldon District Council recently raised over £900,000 for a state of the art skatepark through Section 106 Developer Contributions, Community Infrastructure Levy funds, contributions from the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner's Safer Street fund on top of a donation from the NPS Lions.  With the 140,000+ people in Stratford district, the millions of visitors we welcome per year and the fact that some of these sports are in The Olympics - Stratford should be no different. This campaign is about restoring Stratford's legacy - the home of Shakespeare, the worlds greatest playwright - by creating a modern, high-quality skatepark that the town can once again be proud of. A future proofed facility for all ages and abilities. For the last generation, the current one and the ones to come. 

A modern skatepark would provide a safe, inclusive and accessible space for skateboarders, BMX riders, scooter riders and rollerbladers of all ages and abilities. It would encourage physical activity, improve mental wellbeing, create positive opportunities for young people and strengthen Stratford's reputation as a place that invests in its communities.

Skateparks are far more than places to ride. Independent research has found that skateboarding can improve mental wellbeing by building confidence, resilience, focus and social connection, while providing a positive outlet for stress and helping reduce social isolation. A modern skatepark is not just a sports facility - it is free-to-access community infrastructure that benefits people of all ages and backgrounds. It encourages healthy lifestyles, lifelong friendships and a stronger sense of community.

Wheeled sports have been around since before man stepped foot on the Moon - and they'll be here long after we step foot on Mars. The question isn't "to be, or not to be." Wheeled sports are here to stay. The question is whether Stratford chooses to write the next chapter and set the standard once again.

We, the undersigned, call on Stratford-on-Avon District Council, Stratford Town Council and local partners to:

• Commit to delivering a modern, high-quality skatepark for Stratford-upon-Avon.
  
  
• Work with local users, experienced skatepark designers and the wider community to create the facility.
  
  
• Explore funding opportunities through grants, developer contributions, local partnerships and community investment to make the project a reality.

This campaign has been supported by an incredible committee and growing community of local riders, parents, businesses, schools and local organisations who believe Stratford deserves better. Together we're working to create a modern community hub where wheeled sports, art, music, events and wellbeing can thrive.

Please sign and share this petition. Every signature helps demonstrate that there is genuine public support for investing in this important community facility. Stratford once set the standard. Together, with the right investment we can help build a skatepark Stratford can be proud of once again.

Want to make an even bigger difference? Complete our short survey to tell us why a new skatepark matters. 
Every response helps build the evidence needed to secure funding and demonstrate the demand for a modern, inclusive skatepark for Stratford.

⏱️ Takes just 1 – 2 minutes:  https://forms.gle/SaWqtYFw8eiwrAox5