The world’s first purpose-built multi-storey skatepark has recently rolled out in Folkestone in Kent, England, and it's here to revolutionise how we design our city spaces for young people.
Folkestone Skate Park (F51) is a centre for skateboarding, BMXing, climbing, bouldering, and boxing, and has something for everyone - regardless of gender, ability, background, or skill level. A unique feat in record-setting, F51 features three skatepark floors (including the world’s first suspended concrete bowls), a 15m climbing wall (the tallest in the south east), a dedicated bouldering area, boxing facilities, and a café. The next-generation development aims to attract locals and visitors from far and wide, offering open sessions, coaching, clubs, holiday camps and a range of creative workshops.
Unlike most skateparks which are located on industrial sites, F51 is located in the heart of the town and is easily accessible by public transport. This location considers how facilities for sport and young people can be incorporated within town centres which may already feel cramped, populated, and devoid of ‘play’ - the ‘Street Floor’ is even designed to resemble a typical city landscape. In doing so, F51 seeks to put skaters, BMXers and climbers at the forefront of Folkestone - celebrating existing talent and encouraging ambitious new beginners. The skate park’s conception over its original design - a car park - is a testament to the cultural benefits when development is planned with local community needs at heart.
F51 was funded by the Roger de Haan Charitable Trust and is operated by local sports charity The Sports Trust.
Check out more about this project here
Photo credit: Hufton + Crow