New Skate Park Transforms Stanley Park Blackpool

In May 2022, Blackpool’s skating community gathered in Stanley Park to celebrate the opening of a new 4,000-square-metre skate park, one of the largest and most ambitious public facilities of its kind in the region. The event drew skaters, BMX riders and spectators from across Lancashire, marking the culmination of several years of community effort and collaboration. The project had its origins in the determination of two local skateboarders, Simon Bennet and “Big Woody,” who recognised the potential of a neglected corner of Stanley Park to become a focal point for young people and extreme-sports enthusiasts. Together they founded the Stanley Park Skate Park Development Group with the aim of transforming the disused area into a purpose-built attraction that would both serve local users and draw visitors from further afield.

Their proposal received the backing of Blackpool Council and the Friends of Stanley Park, whose combined advocacy helped secure the necessary funding. Financial support came from Sport England and the Suez Communities Fund, enabling the group to meet the total construction cost of approximately £220,000. The scheme represented a significant example of grassroots initiative supported by public and charitable investment in local recreation. The skate park itself was designed and built by Mind Work Ramps, a specialist company based in Latvia with an international reputation for high-quality skate and BMX facilities. The team, composed of designers who are themselves active riders, produced a layout that blends challenge with accessibility. The completed park includes stairs, ledges, rails, curbs, quarter pipes and a mini ramp—features that allow skaters of varying ability to develop their skills in a safe, purpose-built environment.

Since its opening, the Stanley Park skate park has become a popular meeting point and symbol of Blackpool’s commitment to youth culture and outdoor activity. It stands not only as a recreational space but also as a testament to what can be achieved through community leadership and shared civic vision, adding a dynamic new layer to the long tradition of public leisure at one of the town’s most cherished landmarks.