A NORTH YORKSHIRE skatepark is set to officially reopen with a special event - and some of the biggest names in extreme sports will be in attendance.
Norton Skatepark will host a reopening gathering on Sunday, October 2, from 10am to 4pm.
At the event, the newly revamped halfpipe will be unveiled.
Ryan Swain, who spearheaded an 18-month campaign, ‘Rescue the Ramp’, to restore the ramp to its former glory, said work is almost complete on the project.
He explained that the ramp should be finished by the end of this week and will be officially signed off on Monday (September 26).
“It’s been quite liberating,” said Ryan.
The gathering at Norton Skatepark, on October 2, will include skateboard, BMX, roller blading, and scooter competitions for all ages and abilities.
Alongside this, will be professional demonstrations from the top names in action sports, including world champion rollerblader, Joe Atkinson.
More athletes are set to be announced over the coming weeks.
Two live bands and DJ Mike Jefferson will also perform on the day, and refreshments will be provided by local vendors.
The event has been sponsored by some of the biggest names in action sports including Monster Energy, Independent Truck Company, and shoe and apparel company, Etnies, who will contribute prizes.
Ryan said: “I am feeling pretty hyped and excited (for the event).”
Of the skatepark itself, Ryan explained that a revamp was needed.
“(The area) has needed this rejuvenating for a while,” he said.
Ryan explained that it's important to have free services such as skateparks in communities.
“Who’s to say we won’t have the next Olympian from the ramp?” He said.
Work at Norton has included resurfacing and restoring the halfpipe and existing skatepark with ‘Skatelite’ – a durable paper-composite material used at top skateparks all over the globe.
Ryan added that using Skatelite will encourage people to travel to Norton for the ramp, as it is unique in the UK.
“It’s quite a rare thing, most skateparks are now concrete,” he said.
As the project is now coming to an end, with the ramp nearing completion, Ryan decided to reward those involved in the build with a cake.
“We wanted to get the guys something to say thank you,” he said.
Ryan took to social media, to find someone to make the cake.
After his post, Tammie Carter, from Norton, came forward and created an edible copy of the vert ramp.
"A big shout out to (Tammie Carter) for the cake,” said Ryan.
He added that Tammie made this cake free of charge, as her son had previously used the skatepark and was happy that work was being carried out to make improvements to it.
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