Fundraising begins to build indoor skate park in Bedford

The team from RollBack World in Bedford have launched their campaign to bring a state-of-the-art indoor skatepark, roller rink and creative space to our town.

The ambitious project aims to provide a much-needed venue for everyone from teenagers to families and toddlers to enjoy skateboarding, roller skating and scooting with facilities including toilets, a shop and workshop space.

They are confident that with the backing of the local community and the support of businesses they can raise £10,000 and attract match-funding from Sport England.

Organiser, Rob Beckford, who has owned RollBack World in Church Arcade for over five years, said: “While there are outdoor skateparks, they lack basic facilities such as toilets, refreshments, lighting or crucially, shelter – and it’s a real pain when it rains.

“Sadly the nearest indoor skatepark is about an hour away north or south up the motorway and therefore often inaccessible for local people and their families.

“There has been a huge rise in the popularity of skateboarding and roller skating, so we feel the time is right to make our dream a reality.”

The venue will have spaces for music production, DJ workshops and arts events – establishing a creative hub for the community.

To achieve their aim, RollBack World have set up a crowdfunder, with £1,000 already raised.

Rob told the Bedford Independent that a number of local businesses have pledged their support and he’s confident that they will meet their target.

On Sunday 17 July they are holding a fundraising event at Jubilee Park, including roller skating, a skatepark competition, music and opportunities to talk to the team about their plans.

here will be stunt demonstrations involving skateboards, stunt scooters, BMXers and skaters and a screening of a film covering the community work that RollBack World is involved in.

You can support the Crowdfunder here.

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