Other Sport / Features
Old swimming pool transforms into skate park
You still access the swimming pool through the showers. The difference now is that there is no slow lane, only grinds, pops and ollies.
The new Campus Pool skate park is situated in the old Bishopsworth swimming pool, which was shut down in 2012 much to the dismay of many in the local community.
is needed now More than ever
Using the unique nature of the building to add a quirky edge to the park, alongside the shower area, tiling and a racing clock also add to the poolside theme.
Despite the pristine appearance of the new park, these touches were not necessarily anticipated, with director Andre Seidel explaining that many of the plans for refurbishment could not be carried out.
“We applied for a lot of funding but got basically nothing. The project is all our own investment – we did our own fundraising and also had to take out a loan of £100,000.”
Nevertheless, this leap of faith seems to be paying off already, with loyal members of the existing Campus skatepark in Winterbourne coming across town to use the new facilities.
“The park is doing really well already,” adds Andre. “There were loads of people at the launch and we had over 200 paying customers in our first week.”
Set up by a youth worker and social worker, the project is totally community-focused with all profits being reinvested back into the facilities.
“We’re passionate about creating a safe space for people of all ages and walks of life to come and enjoy themselves,” says Andre entusiastically.
“Myself and my partner, as well as the guys that work here, we’re all skaters and we all see how great it is for bringing people together and getting people active.”
As the first of its kind in England, the indoor skatepark will undoubtedly prove a particularly attractive option as the seasons change and the weather turns colder.
“It’s great because it’s local,” one young rider tells Bristol24/7. “It’s right in the middle of the community and you can come here whenever you want.”
A worthy replacement for Bishopsworth’s beloved pool, the park looks set to become a regular hang out for many of Bristol’s skaters, and with plans of a café underway the only way is up.
For more information, visit www.campusskateparks.co.uk.