A state-of-the-art BMX and skatepark, built by Rother District Council (RDC) with financial support from Sport England, British Cycling and the Heart of Sidley, officially opened last weekend.
Featuring a race track, jump park and skatepark, the free-to-use community facility celebrated the launch with demonstrations, open access sessions, music and competitions with prizes donated by The Source, Flip Skateboards, S&M American Bicycle Company, 7 ply and Black Pug.
At a special ribbon-cutting ceremony Cllr Kathy Harmer, chair of RDC, officially declared the new BMX and skatepark open.
Cllr Harmer was joined by the leader of RDC, Cllr Doug Oliver, the lead council member for Communities, Culture, Tourism, Sport and Leisure; Cllr Hazel Timpe and councillors from Sidley and St. Stephens wards; members of the Bexhill Skatepark Action Group; and JumpClub, the Bexhill BMX club.
Cllr Timpe said: “I am delighted this fabulous new community facility is now officially open.
“This incredible BMX and skatepark gives our younger residents and visitors the chance to use one of the best facilities in the region.
“I hope the completion of this ambitious project will also open up opportunities for local children and young people to try new activities in an environment where they feel safe and supported.”
Luke Barningham of the Bexhill Skatepark Action Group said: “’It’s been a long seven years of campaigning, but we couldn’t be happier with our end result.”
In a statement, the Bexhill BMX Club said: “The new Bexhill Jump Park is such an amazing state-of-the-art BMX facility. There is a thriving local BMX scene and our aim is to help grow it.
“We’re here to help new beginners gain confidence. These modern facilities, supported by the club activities, will enable any local rider to reach their potential in this Olympic discipline.”
More information about the BMX track and skatepark can be found online.
Image Credits: RDC .
This is a really great facility and well done to all those involved, maybe the council could look at improving the Rye skatepark which is in such a state even the vaping teenagers have moved on!