Gloucester Skate Park Project 2025: Rolling Towards Change
Once a place many in Gloucester avoided, the Gloucester Skate Park has undergone a remarkable transformation—led not by big budgets, but by the energy, creativity, and perseverance of local people.
Over the past two years, the Gloucester Skaters group—young people, BMX riders, and community members—have reimagined the park as a safe, colourful, and inclusive space for everyone. Supported by the Gloucester Community Building Collective (GCBC) and other partners, this project shows what’s possible when voices are heard and communities collaborate.
From “No-Go” to “Let’s Go”
Community builder Agnes, from GCBC, began simply by listening. She asked skaters how they felt about the park and what could make it better.
Her conversations revealed frustration and hope in equal measure. Many of the skaters said they’d long felt unheard—but also full of ideas. That’s where change began.
Agnes helped connect the group with organisations like Chispa, Gloucester Voices, Gloucester City Council, and local councillors. Together, they began co-designing a park that represents creativity, wellbeing, and belonging.
Small Changes, Big Impact
With continued collaboration and a wave of positive energy, the Gloucester Skate Park has evolved from grey concrete to something far more vibrant.
🎨 Local artists gave the ramps and walls a burst of colour through community graffiti sessions.
🛹 Five summer events with music, food, and youth competitions brought hundreds of people together.
💪 An outdoor gym and cleaner spaces have made the park family-friendly, with parents and children now sharing what was once a troubled spot.
🌿 Partnership with the Gloucester Park Forum helped secure Green Flag status, a national mark of quality and care.
These are the visible signs of a deeper transformation—the creation of trust, pride, and ownership.
Behind the Story
When the GCBC team visited to film this story, the sense of energy was unmistakable. Skaters practiced tricks against the backdrop of new artwork while local volunteers chatted over music and laughter.
What used to be a space marked by anti-social behaviour is now filled with movement, creativity, and connection.
The Power of Listening
At the heart of this project is the power of community building done right: listening first, guiding connections, and sharing ownership.
Because of these relationships, the skaters now lead events, apply for funding, and mentor younger riders. It’s more than a skate park—it’s a symbol of what happens when a city believes in its young people.
“We used to feel nobody was listening. Now, this park feels like ours again.” – Gloucester Skater
Supported by: Gloucester Community Building Collective – Community Chest & Community Building Support
Focus Areas: Youth engagement, partnership working, urban regeneration, wellbeing
