Ian Waller talks to Dan Higginson, one of leading lights behind the all new skatepark that’s under construction at Victoria Park in Bedminster
A new look skatepark at Victoria Park in Bedminster, Bristol, is already under construction and ready to be open by mid March 2024. Dan Higginson is part of the Bristol Skatepark Collective, a not-for-profit organisation focused on improving skatepark facilities in Bristol and surrounding areas, and one of the main influences behind the new facility.
Dan is one of those friendly, outgoing sort of people that community projects such as the new skatepark rely on to bring these projects to fruition. When you speak with him, you can’t help but get caught up in the passion that he clearly has for the project. It’s just wonderful to meet people like Dan who are there to encourage people of all ages to make the most of wonderful activities like skateboarding and scootering, that do so much to help with their health and wellbeing, as well as just having a good time.
Dan explained that the Bristol Skatepark Collective was set up with the idea to apply for grants and raise funds for skateparks across the city.
“It was founded in 2020 and consists of a few core volunteers who work on an ad-hoc basis depending on the project,” he explained. “Our overall goal is to help improve Bristol’s skatepark facilities but beyond that, we also act as a communication channel between the council and the skatepark community. We have close ties with other Bristol-based organisations such as Campus Skatepark and Elevate (St George action group).
“The Victoria Park Project has been 10 years in the making,” added Dan. “Initially, I started reaching out to tarmac companies to get quotes for fixing the cracks in the current park but nothing ever came of this. Then about five years ago the VPAG (Victoria Park Action Group) secured £60K in the Community Infrastructure Levy whereby a developer gives money to the council to pay for improvements in the area where their development is happening.
“Once this had been approved, I joined forces with the Pollet Family including wife Alice (Fundraiser expert) husband Will (Old school Bristol skater) and their son Sol (local skater). We worked together to raise another £65K from grant applications. I then led a public fundraiser to top up the pot to £150K.”
Dan explained that so far the skate park has taken about three months to build, from the first fence going up to the current situation which is about two-three weeks from completion, all with a budget of £150,000.
“The project was put to tender by BCC at the start of 2023 and local skatepark design company Wheelscape put together the winning bid led by local skate Russ Heideman,” said Dan. “As a local supplier, Wheelscape has gone above and beyond to make the project as impressive and cost-effective as possible.
Dan added that 324 local people have so far donated to the project via a public fundraiser. “I know many young people from local communities were involved in raising funds,” explained Dan. “In addition, Wheelscape has also been engaging with local young people and communities to help with decorating and refurbishing the area.”
Once up and running the new park will feature a mixture of street features and transition, including a six-metre long block/manny pad, a granite grind block, flat bank, volcano, China bank (named after a spot in San Francisco) quarter pipes and a hip. Dan’s also in talks with the council about providing bins.
“Skateparks are amazing spaces for physical activity, socialising, confidence building, artistic expression,” commented Dan. “It’s free and open to all ages, disciplines and ability levels. Wheeled sports can be a catalyst for igniting so many other creative avenues that can lead to career opportunities and so much more. As a film-maker who now runs a film production company, I know this because my love for film was born through skateboarding.”