New skatepark set to complete decade-long revamp of park
A ten-year campaign to revamp the dated and dilapidated equipment in a Pembrokeshire park is reaching its final stages with the announcement that a new skatepark will soon be installed.
The Lota Project has been working steadfastly since 2015, to completely overhaul Fishguard's Lota Park in stages.
The group has replaced dilapidated and obsolete equipment and created a modern and inclusive play facility.
This has been made possible due to a mixture of fundraising, donations from groups, individuals, the town council and support from Pembrokeshire County Council and the Welsh Government.
Funding has been used to buy new swings, a wheelchair inclusive roundabout, a new-style witch's hat and an arm rotator roundabout, a small basketball area and a teqball.
Other additions to the park have been a zipline, a large round swing, a gravity bowl, two new multi play installations, a new sea saw and springers.
A new skatepark to replace the one that was removed more than a decade ago has always been part of the plan.
Back in 2015 group member Cllr Pat Davies said that youngsters were using their scooters and skateboards in car parks, or having to travel to skate parks in Haverfordwest, Newport or Cardigan.
'If we can get the one back in Lota Park the children can be safe in their own community,' she said.
Since 2021 has been the primary objective of the Lota Project group.
This week the group announced that, after years of fundraising, a new skate park will be installed next month.
Among its features will be a ledge, a quarter pipe and two fun box combinations which include a flat wedge and a grind rail.
'When we started this group quite a few years ago - you told us that the park needed a complete refurbish with inclusive play equipment for all ages, and a skate park on the footprint of the previous one,' said the Lota Project's Tracey Cullen Johnson.
'We had achieved everything we set out to do, except the skate park.
'After lots and lots of red tape, disappointments and hard work. We are really pleased to announce that Lota Park will finally get a new skate park. Installation will begin on July 7 2025.'
Tracey added that the group's core members; herself, Cllr Pat Davies, Natalie Morgan-Davies and Rebecca LeFevre will be stepping down from the Lota Project after the installation is complete.
Anyone who would like to continue with any further improvements to the park is welcome to continue the hard work.
'Thank you all for your support,' she added.
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