Dunfermline Skatepark revamp starting soon

After more than 20 years, the skatepark in the Public Park, is getting a much-needed makeover to meet the demands of our growing city. 

Bendcrete Skateparks has been chosen to carry out the £300,000 upgrade. The first phase will revamp the existing skatepark, creating a fresh and exciting space for skaters of all ages and skill levels. 

City of Dunfermline Area Convener, Cllr James Calder, shared his excitement: “We’re thrilled to see the Dunfermline Skatepark project moving forward. This has been a true community effort, and it’s fantastic to see the dedication and hard work of the Dunfermline Skatepark Group pay off.  

“The new skatepark will provide a necessary recreational space for our children, young people, and families, promoting healthy, active lifestyles. We look forward to the positive impact this project will have on our city.” 

The Dunfermline Regeneration Trust has been the driving force behind this project, leading on the design and consultation process. 

Fiona Simpson, trustee at the Dunfermline Regeration Trust said: “Seven years ago, a group of young skateboarders came to us at the Dunfermline Regeneration Trust, asking for help getting a new skatepark. It’s taken a huge amount of work to raise the money required. Saying that, it’s been a pleasure working with the park-users. They’re a great bunch of people who have a very caring community.

“As well as our funders, we’re very grateful to our Fife Council project management team, to Central Dunfermline Community Council for their support and sponsorship, to Active Schools for their support with schools' engagement and to the Pars Foundation for allowing us to hold a skate jam at East End Park.

“With help from Skateboard Scotland, we identified the park features most desired by users, by carrying out a consultation with 250 respondents. This is why we’re confident that the facility will reflect the wishes of skateboarders, BMX bikers, and scooter riders.

"Now, we can't wait to see the concrete being poured and the people of Dunfermline getting the facility they deserve."

The group has worked at a grassroots level on a series of fundraising activities such as skate jams and music nights, and have secured contributions from: 

• Avondale Environmental £25,000  

• Carnegie Trust £10,000  
• Cooperative Community Fund £3,600

• Fife Council £181,765 

• Fife Environment Trust £30,000 

• Garfield Weston £20,000  
• sportscotland £50,000 

Forbes Dunlop, Chief Executive of sportscotland, said: “The news that work will start soon on the Dunfermline Skate Park project is most welcome, we know that sport and physical activity have an important role to play in bringing communities together.

"Fife Council and everyone else involved in the project have demonstrated a real commitment to ensuring that more people in the area will have an opportunity to become physically active and connected to their local community."

All going to plan, Dunfermline Skatepark will reopen this Summer.

Looking ahead, phase two of the project could introduce a dedicated area for beginners and younger skaters, making the skatepark even more inclusive. Additional funding will be needed for any future phase.