Fingers crossed for £100,000 Skatepark award

FUNDING for Thame’s longed-for, replacement skatepark received a huge boost yesterday, when the young people behind the TSP (Thame Skatepark Project) learned that they were a step closer to being awarded £100,000 towards the scheme.

Image courtesy of Aidan North

The announcement came at last night’s Thame Town Awards event at the Thame Barns Centre – just hours after the group had give a presentation to the prospective donor, South Oxfordshire District Council.

If the district’ council’s grants panel decision is approved by the full Cabinet, this will bring the £250,000 transformation of the existing, worn out skatepark to a modern, durable wheeled-sports facility one big step closer. The skaters themselves have been at the heart of the process, petitioning for a new skate park,  determining the design of the new facility and  fundraising. 

Corin Rea giving a presentation about the skatepark project at Thursday’s Town Awards Ceremony

A delighted Corin Rea, who has been one of the project leaders for the TSP, said: “We are delighted to hear the encouraging news about the £100k SODC grant. Getting significant funding like that is key to driving the project forward, so we are extremely grateful. We are starting to edge closer to our final, funding goal, these are exciting times!”

Town Mayor, Cllr Jeannette Matelot Green, is a strong supporter of the project having chosen it as one of her chosen charities for her year in office. She said: “I watched the three young men who head up TSP give a very professional presentation to the Community Grants Panel at SODC on Thursday morning. I was so proud of them and the district councillors praised them for their presentation and informed response to questioning.

“I would like to thank all those who have supported the project thus far, and have to say that they still need support for the rest of the fundraising events to get to the £250,000.”