Winchester’s KGV skatepark officially opened with tribute to city council officer
Winchester’s newest skatepark at King George V playing fields was officially opened by the Mayor of Winchester, Cllr Derek Green on Saturday.
The facility is the third of its kind in the district, with other facilities at River Park and Stanmore Recreation Ground. The event featured a skate jam with competitions and live music, organised by Rubicon, which attracted skateboarding, BMX and scooter enthusiasts from Winchester and surrounding areas.
Reggie Howard from Bordon said: “The park is really smooth, and it flows well”. Charlie Hiscock from Sparsholt added: “It’s a well laid out park with a relaxed atmosphere”.
The newly developed skatepark was dedicated to Winchester City Council’s Open Space Officer, Susan Lord, who worked closely on the project alongside skate company Maverick. Susan sadly passed away before the skatepark was opened.
Skateboarder Jamie Bordon from London said:
“It’s pretty impressive that Winchester has three amazing parks, thanks to Susan. It was like to talking to someone who was one of the skating community – she would always go above and beyond.”
In a speech to around 100 attendees including Susan’s close family, Cllr Paula Ferguson and Susan’s mother, Carole Cox, unveiled a plaque to commemorate Susan.