More than 200 locals, including skaters, BMX riders, and scooter enthusiasts, descended on the Henry Davey Recreation Ground on Saturday to officially open the brand new Watchet wheeled sports park.

This project has been five years in the making, and the strong turnout from the community really shows how much the skatepark was needed.

A Modern Facility for a Vibrant Community

The new £150,000 park is a significant upgrade from the old free-standing ramps that served the town for two decades. Working closely with Watchet Town Council, we crafted our vision for an ultramodern space out of concrete. We were delighted to deliver the project three weeks ahead of schedule so the town’s youngsters could get riding as soon as possible.

The project was a true collaborative effort, funded by the Rural England Prosperity Fund, the Hinkley Point C Community Fund, and the town council itself. Special thanks must go to the town clerk, Jo Grellier, whose determination was instrumental in securing the necessary funding to bring this state-of-the-art facility to life.

The official opening was a brilliant celebration of local talent and community support:

• The Ribbon Cutting: Local resident Jack Jukes did the honours, supported by MP Rachel Gilmour and Mayor Cllr Loretta Whetlor. (photo above by George Ody)

• Skill Sharing: The team from Minehead Eye and Good Habits Skate School provided expert tuition and equipment, ensuring everyone could get involved regardless of their experience level.

• Atmosphere: Live music from Paul Stevens added a fantastic backdrop to the day, while Avon and Somerset Police were on hand to provide bike tagging for extra security.

Designed for Everyone

During the consultation phase, it was clear that Watchet wanted a space that catered to all ages and abilities. By adapting the initial designs to meet a realistic budget while maintaining high-quality features, we have created a park that encourages active play and provides a safe, durable environment for years to come.

As Mayor Cllr Loretta Whetlor noted during the ceremony, this facility is a wonderful asset for both residents and visitors. We can't wait to see the progression of the local riders as they make this park their own.

“Watchet Town Council is absolutely delighted with the exceptional service provided by Maverick Skateparks in delivering our brand new wheeled sports facility here in Watchet. From the very first enquiry through to the final completion of the project, the experience has been nothing short of outstanding.

The Maverick team demonstrated professionalism, expertise, and genuine enthusiasm at every stage of the process. Their support during the design, consultation, and construction phases ensured that we always felt informed, confident, and in very safe hands. They took the time to listen carefully to our aspirations for the facility and worked closely with us to ensure the final design reflected the needs of our community, particularly our young people and wheeled sports users.

Communication throughout the project was excellent. The team were approachable, responsive, and consistently willing to go the extra mile to make sure everything ran smoothly. Their knowledge of skatepark design and construction was clear from the outset, and their ability to translate ideas into a high-quality, durable and exciting facility has been truly impressive.

The finished park is of an exceptional standard and has already become a fantastic asset for our community. It is clear that Maverick Skateparks take enormous pride in their work, not only delivering technically excellent facilities but also creating spaces that bring communities together and encourage healthy, active lifestyles.

We would recommend Maverick Skateparks time and time again to any council, organisation, or community group considering a similar project. Their professionalism, attention to detail, and genuine care for both the project and the community they are serving set them apart.

Thank you to the entire Maverick team for helping us create such a positive and lasting addition to Watchet.”

Jo Grellier  (CiLCA, FiLCA)
Town Clerk & Responsible Finance Officer

THE DESIGN

THE SITE

Watchet Skatepark
South Road
Watchet
Somerset
TA23 0HB