Our Story:
After the Skatepark's previous owners shut it down, a group of parents who felt passionately about the need for a venue of this kind in the local community banded together, with the aim of securing its future and ensuring that its doors remained open to the young people of Kent and the surrounding area. After much liaising with local councils, business professionals and charitable orga
nisations, the 'Rochester Indoor Skatepark Club' was formed in January 2008. From this time we assumed ownership of Unit 1 Skatepark, and began operating as a charity on a non-profit basis. As a registered charity, we obtained funding initially from Medway's Youth Opportunity Fund to help with the deposit and to take over the lease on the building. Funding was also obtained from Sports Relief, Kent Community Foundation, Local Network Fund and Kent County Council's 'Awards For All' programme. Six years on and we are still standing strong, having now surpassed the amount of time that any other business organisation had run the Skatepark for. Operating as a charity allows us to keep our doors open to the vast number of young people who value the environment that we provide them with, and means that we are able to be a real benefit to young people in the community regardless of their financial background. Since taking over Unit 1 we have made many adjustments to the Skatepark, including a partial rebuild which features one of the few indoor wooden bowls in the county. Our Services:
Our facilities include arcade games machines, pool table, café and viewing area, 'chill out room' and beginners area. We are also a live music venue and can be booked as a practice venue for up and coming musicians, or indeed as a venue for gigs and other arts performances. Every Monday we run skateboarding and scooter lessons between the hours of 5&7pm in which learners of all abilities can come and learn new skills (please contact Kathy for details).
