Staplehurst Skate Park’s Works of Art

During the pandemic the skate park ramps had often previously had unsolicited graffiti on the ramp walls, which resulted in the need for them to be repainted. However, on this occasion the Council wanted to do something different and more engaging for the young people of the village and users of the skate park as a way of making it more welcoming and fun as we emerge from the pandemic.

Working with local Artist Graham Upton, the Parish Council invited young people to come and share their ideas and artwork that could be used to adorn the walls. Once submitted Graham brought their ideas to life and then led volunteer groups of young people in the painting process. The youngest who help paint was 5 years old and the oldest 13. Several of the images now have their names tagged in for posterity!

We were lucky with the weather on the last weekend of February, and many families and users of the park both young and old commented that the work is ‘sic’ and they ‘love the artwork’. One young boy specifically approached Graham to tell him ‘it is brilliant’.

Staplehurst Parish Council would like to thank Maidstone Borough Council, HM Government and the European Regional Development Fund for providing the funds through the Welcome Back Fund.

We hope you agree that the project has been a stunning success!