Trio backing plans for new sports facilities

THREE prominent members of Swansea's skateboarding community have given their backing to an ongoing investment in wheel sports that will see new facilities throughout the city.

- JAMES ARNOTT

Exist Skatepark co-founder Kate Leonard, coach Jon Lawton and Bishopston-based skateboarder Will Muxworthy say it will cater for demand while also helping boost the sport's popularity.

Working in partnership with expert company Curve Studio, Swansea Council is investing £2.8m in wheel sports facilities in many communities.

Improved facilities are already available for use at Coed Bach in Pontarddulais and Melin Mynach in Gorseinon. It’s anticipated work will start at Victoria Park in August on a street plaza-style facility.

Other sites already announced for neighbourhood skate park improvements include Mynydd Newydd in Penlan and the Phoenix Centre in Townhill.

Council plans mean people in most parts of the city won't have to travel more than two miles to reach an improved facility.

Kate Leonard opened Exist Skatepark in Mount Pleasant with her partner, Ric Cartwright, in 2011.

Kate said: "We're really excited about the council investment because it will grow Swansea's skateboarding community and give fans of wheel sports more outlets to burn off energy.

"Our facility at Exist will complement all the neighbourhood skate park improvements that are being carried out or planned, so we don’t see the investment as competition.