Evicted Charity Opens World-Class Skatepark in Derby

A charity that provides skateboarding opportunities for young people has opened a new skatepark in Derby after being evicted from its previous site in Nottingham, marking a significant step in its efforts to expand access to the sport across the East Midlands.

The organisation, which had operated a community skate facility in Nottingham for several years, was required to vacate the site due to redevelopment plans by the local authority. Following the eviction, the charity secured a new location in Derby, where it has constructed a facility it describes as “world-class” in design and accessibility.

The new skatepark, located in the Derby Arboretum area, features concrete bowls, street-style elements, and adaptive features designed to accommodate riders of varying skill levels and abilities. The project was funded through a combination of charitable grants, local business sponsorships, and crowdfunding efforts, with additional support from Derby City Council’s leisure and youth services department.

According to the charity’s leadership, the facility is intended to serve as a regional hub for youth engagement, offering free access to skateboarding equipment and coaching sessions for underserved communities. The organisation estimates that the park will serve over 5,000 young people annually, with a particular focus on those from low-income backgrounds and minority ethnic groups.

“This isn’t just about ramps and rails — it’s about creating safe, inclusive spaces where young people can build confidence, stay active, and connect with peers,” said the charity’s director in a statement to local media. “Being forced to move from Nottingham was difficult, but Derby has welcomed us with strong support, and we’re proud to deliver a facility that meets international standards for design and safety.”

The skatepark’s opening aligns with a broader trend of local authorities and nonprofit organisations investing in urban sports infrastructure as a means of promoting physical activity and reducing youth disengagement. Similar projects have been launched in cities such as Manchester, Bristol, and Leeds in recent years, often supported by funding from Sport England and the National Lottery Community Fund.

Industry observers note that the growth of community-led skateparks reflects increasing recognition of skateboarding’s cultural and athletic value, particularly following its inclusion in the Olympic Games. The sport has seen rising participation among teenagers and young adults in the UK, with estimates from the Skateboard England organisation indicating over 750,000 regular participants nationwide.

The charity has stated that it plans to launch a series of outreach programmes in partnership with Derby schools and youth centres, beginning in the autumn term. These will include after-school clubs, mentorship initiatives, and events aimed at encouraging greater participation among girls and non-binary youth, groups that have historically been underrepresented in skateboarding culture.

While the charity has not disclosed the total cost of the Derby skatepark project, it confirmed that funding was secured without reliance on public loans or commercial debt. Ongoing operational costs will be covered through a mix of grant income, small donations, and revenue from affiliated skateboarding events and workshops.

The opening of the facility has been welcomed by local officials, who cited its potential to enhance the city’s recreational offerings and support Derby’s broader goals of improving youth wellbeing and community cohesion. A spokesperson for Derby City Council said the council views the skatepark as a valuable addition to its network of public sports facilities.

As the charity settles into its new home, it aims to use the Derby skatepark as a model for future expansions in other cities facing similar challenges of displacement due to urban development. The organisation says It’s already in discussions with authorities in Leicester and Sheffield about potential collaborations to establish additional community skate spaces.