Skaters hop fences for event to 'save Watford Skatepark'

The event coincided with Go Skateboarding Day on Sunday (June 21) and saw more than 50 take part in a skate jam competition and enjoy live music to highlight the importance of the officially closed open-air facility.

The site, by the ring road, is allocated for 59 homes in the local plan as a replacement facility was opened at Oxhey Activity Park in 2020.

The event at Watford Skatepark on Go Skateboarding day (Image: Jake Mitchell)

Yet a tight-knit community has continued using it, saying the graffiti-free replacement is more targeted towards younger or newer skaters and represents a “grey, almost brutalist idea of what a skatepark should be”.

Conversely, Watford Skatepark is “teeming with life and culture”, according to Charlie Swan.

The 30-year-old said: “It’s garnered quite a large community.

Skating at the event (Image: Jake Mitchell)

“Loads and loads of people have gone through it, musicians, skateboarders, BMXers, scooter riders… some have gone on to sort of do much bigger and better things as well.

“On top of that, it has provided a safe space for children in the area who maybe were going through a bit of a rough patch.

The skate jam competition (Image: Jake Mitchell)

“At the time it certainly did for me and I know a lot of my friends as well.”

A petition to “stop the demolition” has gathered 527 signatures and supporters are also now seeking to have it named an asset of community value.

“A lot of people rallied behind this really quickly”, said Watford Green Party spokesperson Jake Mitchell, who is supporting the campaign.

Jake Mitchell (Image: Watford Green Party)

“People are scared they're going to lose a valuable asset that they've used for decades.”

Live music at the event (Image: Jake Mitchell)

However, councillor Glen Saffery, who is responsible for planning, highlighted that councils must meet housing targets or risk losing planning powers.

“The reality is that the site is in a highly sustainable location for new homes, close to Watford High Street Station, the town centre, parks and other local services,” he said.

“I was 16 when the skatepark opened and fully understand the fond memories many of my generation and those younger than us will have made here.

Oxhey Skatepark (Image: Watford Borough Council)

“However, the award-winning skatepark at Oxhey Activity Park, which has been recognised as one of the top skateparks in the UK, is well-placed to take on the mantle for future generations.

“Any future development proposals would be subject to the normal planning process, including public consultation and detailed consideration of design and local impacts."