Cover story: skaters step up

With skateboarding set to feature in the Olympics in Tokyo, Japan for the first time later this month, South Molton’s skate park has been given a new lease of life.

“It’s a real asset for our community,” lead volunteer Verity Hanson told Molton Monthly. “It’s great for fitness and socialising, what we’ve done here is to create a cool and inclusive vibe where families and young people can mix and create new friendships.”

Opened in 2006, the skate park had come close to being shut down, until Verity and her volunteers got stuck in after being inspired and supported by South Molton in Bloom.

Now artists seroh_fr, krazeuk83, Matt, el_neaxo24 and Henry Brewer with his family have painted South Molton themed murals,

and a new Skate Molton group meets there on Saturdays. “It’s amazing to have the great mix of skateboarders, scooter riders, roller bladers and roller skaters like me all turning up and inspiring each other with our different skills,” added Verity, who is aged 41 and lives in Molland.

Verity took up the sport roller derby 8 years ago, and firmly believes the South Molton skate park is something the community should be proud of. It’s hoped to develop sessions for different age groups.

Verity Hanson (front right) has led the revamp of South Molton skate park, and opposite a young scooter rides high in front of the vibrant new artwork

All photos Karolina Andreasova

South Molton Town Council is providing new bins to help keep the site tidy, and permission has been given for the first ever ‘Skate Jam’ on August 21st as a fun day for all the family, and to raise funds for maintenance and improvements. See the Skate Molton page on Facebook.