Torpoint skatepark campaign rolls into its big fundraising push

For one Saturday afternoon, Torpoint’s skatepark was as busy as the people behind it hope it will one day be every week. Skateboards, scooters and bikes filled the space, a mini half-pipe went in for the day, and the campaign to rebuild the park moved into its next stage.

The fundraising launch, organised by Torpoint Ramps Forum, took place on Saturday 12 September. It marked the start of the project’s major fundraising phase, and the group is now asking people in Torpoint to help with what comes next.

📷Credit: Canvas Spaces

A look at what the park could be

The forum says the event was about much more than raising money on the day. It was designed to give the community a glimpse of the atmosphere and activity a new skatepark could regularly bring to the town, while putting the project on the radar of residents, businesses, community organisations, the town council and potential supporters.

Canvas Spaces, which is working with Torpoint Town Council and Torpoint Ramps Forum on the emerging skatepark design, was there throughout the afternoon to talk to local people about the proposals.

The mini half-pipe was installed specifically for the event, and Canvas Spaces ran a series of competitions for local riders. Families, supporters and other community activities were spread across Bénodet Park alongside them.

The forum says the number of people and wheels using the space showed the appetite for a better facility in Torpoint.

📷Credit: Canvas Spaces

What was raised, and who paid for the ramp

The event raised approximately £520 through the tea hut, raffle and general donations. That builds on a further £112 recently raised at Mini Fest.

It was supported by funding previously received from The Carew Pole Charitable Trust through a youth engagement grant. Cornwall Councillor Rob Parsonage contributed £200 from his Community Chest funding towards the cost of hiring the ramp.

Torpoint Ramps Forum is now developing a range of funding routes, including grant applications, support from local businesses, sponsorship, community fundraising, events and donations.

What people said

Torpoint Town Mayor Councillor Julie Martin said: “The Deputy Mayor and I were very pleased to support the Torpoint Skatepark fundraising launch. Both Bénodet Park and the skatepark were bustling with people enjoying themselves. Congratulations to everyone involved in the organisation of the event, it was a superb afternoon.”

Chandon Gallagher, of Canvas Spaces, said: “We were stoked to support Torpoint Ramps Forum in delivering the fundraising launch event at Torpoint Skatepark. It was great to see so many people using the space, and the excitement towards the new skatepark was palpable. We will continue to work alongside Torpoint Town Council and Torpoint Ramps Forum to realise the aspiration for an upgraded facility in Thanckes Park.”

A Torpoint Ramps Forum representative said: “The most important thing about the day wasn’t simply how much money we raised. It was about showing people what this space could become.

“For a few hours the skatepark was full of wheels, young people, families and activity, and that gave everyone a glimpse of the atmosphere a new skatepark could bring to Torpoint on a regular basis.

“This was our starting point. We wanted to put the project firmly on people’s radar, build momentum and start the movement that will ultimately make the new skatepark happen.”

📷Credit: Canvas Spaces

How to get involved

The forum is holding a fundraising workshop on Friday 2 October, from 5pm to 6.30pm, in the Committee Room at the Council Chambers.

It is looking for people from across Torpoint and the surrounding community who can help lead fundraising activities, identify funding opportunities, approach businesses and organisations, organise events, help with grant applications, or contribute some time and ideas. Everyone is welcome and no previous fundraising experience is needed.

To find out more or get involved, email [email protected].

The forum representative added: “The next stage is about mobilising the community and building a fundraising army around the project. People don’t need fundraising experience. If they have some time, an idea, a contact or simply want to help, we want to hear from them.”

📷Credit: Canvas Spaces