BARRY’S new skatepark opens this weekend!

There were fears the opening of the refurbished Richard Taylor Memorial Skatepark at the Knap would be delayed due to fencing still needing to be put up.

However, the council has blown away any concerns by saying, yes – the skatepark will open this weekend.

Barry And District News: There were fears the skatepark would not open due to fencing needed to be put upThere were fears the skatepark would not open due to fencing needed to be put up (Image: Badi Skateboards)

A Vale Council spokesperson confirmed the skate park would be opening after an inspection today.

The spokesperson said: “An inspection of the new skate facilities at the Knap took place this afternoon, October 5, and we’re pleased to be able to say the skatepark will be open from this weekend.

“There are some works outstanding, which were always planned to take place following the completion of the skatepark.

“There are custom fence panels to be installed either side of the entrance gate in the coming days and the footpath works will be taking place over the next couple of weeks.

“However, this does not affect the safety of the site for skating so users will be able to enjoy this fantastic new facility from this coming weekend.”

Barry And District News: The council confirmed the skatepark WILL open this weekendThe council confirmed the skatepark WILL open this weekend (Image: Badi Skateboards)

Barry And District News: The skatepark secured £300,000 of funding to be builtThe skatepark secured £300,000 of funding to be built (Image: Badi Skateboards)

One excited skater wrote on Facebook: “I can’t wait to ride it!”

Barry And District News: The park is dedicated to Richard Taylor who tragically died in a freak accident colliding with a lamp post while skatingThe park is dedicated to Richard Taylor who tragically died in a freak accident colliding with a lamp post while skating (Image: Badi Skateboards)

The skatepark is named in dedication to professional skating champion Richard Taylor, from Barry, who was just 23 when he tragically died in a freak accident colliding with a lamp post while skating.

Mr Taylor was the British inline skate champion when he died in 2004.

Barry And District News: There are still some bits to finish but the park itself is ready!There are still some bits to finish but the park itself is ready! (Image: Badi Skateboards)

More than £300,000 of funding was secured to replace the popular skatepark through organisations such as the South Wales Police Youth Trust, The Waterloo Foundation, and Vale of Glamorgan Council.