The new concrete facility has been designed to meet the needs of both inexperienced and experienced users and provide a resource that can be enjoyed by people of all ages on skateboards, scooters and BMX bikes.

Bendcrete was selected as the preferred contractor.

The project received significant funding from heathland mitigation funds which was approved by East Dorset District Council and Natural England in 2018. The funding of £107,500 requires the wheel park to be suitable for multi-use wheel sports specifically BMX and bike riding to enable the facility to support a reduction in illegal dirt jump building and associated antisocial behaviour on local nature reserves. Longevity of the new facility was also considered to be vital which contributed to the decision to have a concrete surface.

The remaining funding has come from Dorset Council (Leisure Development Fund), Ferndown Town Council (Section 106 contributions), and fundraising from mayoral events and competitive events at the current park.

Cllr Mike Parkes, chairman of the council’s Project Group steering the redevelopment commented, “The re-design of the current facility has been a long time in the making so it is extremely exciting to see the commencement of the long-awaited improvements. The local user group has campaigned for a number of years now to update the current facility and the council is grateful for their input in creating a unique and inclusive design which will meet their needs and attract other users of multi-use wheel sports. This will be a fantastic community asset and my thanks goes to all those involved for their vision, hard work and team work.”

Bendcrete’s commercial director, Wendy Davies, said, “Ferndown has a vibrant and strong BMX scene that attracts riders from all over the country. We were keen to ensure that the new park catered for these riders, as well as opening up the park to all types of wheels. In consultation with the local users, we have designed an innovative and unique facility. The new park will provide a wealth of features including a halfpipe, blended jumpbox, pump bump, volcano and offers users the opportunity to carve around the whole park or concentrate on a favourite line. We will also be creating a MiniWheels area for younger children or beginners to safely learn the fundamentals and develop their skills away from the faster action on the new park. This will ensure that the next generation of skaters and riders are ready to move up to the larger ramps quicker. The new park, together with most of the existing ramps, will ensure that anyone, regardless of age or experience, will be able to enjoy the park.”