A long‑empty skatepark in Gedling is about to get a serious upgrade — and it’s all happening in just one weekend, powered by volunteers, local young people and a chunk of government funding.
At the end of June, the former Joshua Dale Skatepark at Colwick Rectory Recreation Ground will be transformed, with local skaters rolling up their sleeves to build new features alongside award‑winning skatepark designers Betongpark. Think DIY, but with concrete, rebar and a lot more stoke.
The project is being funded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), after Skate Nottingham CIC secured a grant to kickstart a new future for the site. They’ve spent nearly three years working with Gedling Borough Council, Colwick Parish Council and the Joshua Dale Skatepark Fund to make sure whatever comes next is shaped — literally — by the people who use it.
The original skatepark opened in 2013 in memory of local teenager Joshua Dale, who died the year before at a nearby junction. Built in wood at Joshua’s request, it was well‑loved but tough to maintain, and eventually had to be dismantled in 2023. What’s left is a pristine concrete slab — basically a blank canvas begging for new life.
And with no formal training routes for skatepark construction in the UK, the rebuild doubles as a rare chance for young people to learn real design and construction skills while improving a space they care about. With almost 2,000 skateable spots across the country needing TLC, the timing couldn’t be better.
Throughout 2024 and 2025, a working group of councillors, Skate Nottingham and local residents explored options for the site. Gedling Borough Council had already backed Skate Nottingham’s “Skate & Regenerate” programme for three years, helping young skaters safely repair and improve ageing parks across the borough — from Arnot Hill Park’s bowls to the modular ramps at King George V Park. Earlier this year, volunteers even installed simple concrete curbs at Colwick to get people skating again.
A separate grant from the Thomas Farr Charity, via Forever Notts, funded a major consultation. Forty‑six people turned up to a four‑hour public event, and 133 responded online. A massive 97% wanted the skatepark improved or rebuilt.
That momentum helped Skate Nottingham secure the MHCLG’s Common Ground Award 2025/26 — funding aimed at boosting social cohesion by improving civic spaces. It will pay for this month’s community build, supported by Live Like Ralph CIC and the Joshua Dale Skatepark Fund, both set up in memory of young people who loved outdoor, active lives.
Councillor Viv McCrossen said:
“This project shows what can be achieved when local people, young skatepark users and partners come together with the right support. It’s a brilliant example of community spirit in action, breathing new life into a valued local space, honouring the memory of Joshua Dale, and giving the next generation the chance to build skills, connections and pride in their community.”
Skate Nottingham co‑founder Chris Lawton added:
“We’re really excited about this project after three years of collaboration with councils and local communities. There was such a strong will to honour Joshua Dale by bringing the skatepark back into use. Designing and building things goes hand‑in‑hand with skateboarding and BMX, so together we can create life‑changing learning opportunities that will put the East Midlands on the map.”
The build kicks off Friday 26 June with site prep, before volunteers join expert supervisors on Saturday and Sunday. By Monday 29 June, the park will have a brand‑new 4.8‑metre‑wide concrete quarter pipe — built entirely on site — plus a new steel feature such as a grind rail. The upgrades will boost the space for BMXers and wheeled‑sports users while improving the flow for skateboarders.
Volunteer info will be posted at www.skatenottingham.co.uk.
