Young people roll into action as revamped Kimber Skate Park reopens with bigger, better space

Its completion marks another milestone in Wandsworth’s long-term programme of investment and improvement and Year of Play, reinforcing the Council’s commitment to being the very best place for children and young people to grow up.

The project also supports the ambitions to help more residents of all ages be more active and spend more time outdoors.

Located at the Kimber Youth Hub, the skate park sits alongside a wider youth offer that goes far beyond skating.

Alongside BMX biking and skate provision, young people can access a broad programme of activities, mentoring, skills development and social opportunities, providing older children with a safe, welcoming space to spend their time.

Young people played a central role in shaping the refurbishment, helping to co-design a space that reflects how they want to ride, practice and progress.

The works have significantly enhanced both the quality and capacity of the skate park. Outdated and underused ramps were removed, the skating area was expanded to create much more space, and a smooth new surface was installed to improve safety and suitability for smaller-wheeled sports.

New features, including a brick-effect quarter pipe, a new rail and a raised concrete platform for balance tricks, have introduced more variety and progression opportunities for riders of different abilities.

Young people have already had the chance to try out the upgraded area, with the first community sessions becoming the busiest day of the year so far at the youth hub.

One regular skater said, “The new surface is so smooth. It feels completely different. We didn’t have anything like that before.”

Another added: “We kept coming down to see when it would be ready. It’s way better now, there’s more space and loads more to try.”

The expanded layout and additional features now allow staff to deliver coaching across a much wider area, offering more varied opportunities, from learning balance and control to developing advanced tricks.

Judi Gasser, Cabinet Member for Children, said: “The transformation of Kimber Skate Park is a brilliant example of how we are upgrading and renewing facilities for local families and it captures exactly what our Year of Play is about.

“We are determined to make Wandsworth the best place for children and young people to grow up and that means investing in high-quality spaces where they can be active, build confidence and feel a sense of belonging.

“It’s been fantastic to see local young people already making the space their own and enjoying everything it has to offer.”

By combining high-quality physical improvements with an active youth service and structured coaching, the Council is ensuring young people have access to positive opportunities, delivering on its promise to make Wandsworth the best place for children to grow up.