A unique skatepark at a Kent school is now officially open following months of construction and earlier opposition from neighbours.
New pictures reveal how the facility at Folkestone Academy is already proving popular following its opening last week – attended by multimillionaire philanthropist Sir Roger De Haan.
It is the first of its kind in the UK and includes a shallow bowl, two ramps, a rail and ledge, as well as seating areas.
It will be used by pupils at the school, near the Park Farm Industrial Estate, but also by members of the public.
Families, pupils, staff and professional skateboarders all attended the opening of the skatepark, funded by the Friends of Folkestone Academy (FFA), a charity chaired by Sir Roger.
The Saga boss, who also helped fund the Folkestone’s F51 vertical skatepark, said skateboarding appeals to a wide range of young people and makes “coming to school just that little bit more fun”.
Sir Roger added: “This is a great sport.
“The team here at Folkestone Academy have done brilliant work, taking things forward in ways we couldn’t have imagined when the school first opened. It’s wonderful to see.”
Crowds gathered for demonstrations, music and giveaways, with pro riders – including Skateboard GB’s Bella Warley – performing and offering coaching to children of all ages.
Speaking at the opening, headteacher Steve Shaw thanked supporters and said the project had “reshaped” parts of the curriculum.
Turner Schools chief executive Seamus Murphy added: “We are incredibly proud of this new skatepark, which will benefit not only our students but the wider community.”
Plans for the park were first submitted last year by Turner Schools, the trust which runs the academy.
The scheme was approved by Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) in July 2024, but not without objections from neighbours.
Some raised concerns about noise, lighting and opening hours, particularly during weekends and school holidays.
One resident, Emma Black, said at the time: “We believe the application is a good use of the ground but have major concerns in regards to the noise, light levels and toilet facilities.”
Original plans proposed opening the park until 9.30pm on weekdays and throughout the weekend, but the council reduced those hours in response to objections.
Under current rules, it can be used from 8am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 3pm on Saturdays.
It remains closed on Sundays.
It will now host lunchtime and after-school clubs, as well as Saturday morning sessions.
The skatepark was designed and built by Betongpark, a specialist firm whose team includes lifelong skaters.
Daryl Nobbs, the company’s head of construction, said the Folkestone Academy site was the first of its kind in the UK.
