Skateboarders, councillors, police officers and supporters gathered at the site of Falmouth’s skatepark last week for one big last push to get the project off the ground.

Falmouth’s mayor elect Kirstie Edwards organised the event in front of the mound of earth that will eventually become the skatepark to launch a Crowdfunder.

The project is already partially funded but they need to raise a further £38,000 to unlock a final fund stream to actually build the dream of a large open flow skatepark for all ages and abilities to use for wheeled sports.

Cllr Edwards told the Packet that they already have funding applications in for small local pots and need to raise £20,000 of this amount from the Crowdfunder which has now been launched at crowdfunder.co.uk/p/falmouth-skatepark-project.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for us to create something spectacular together for young people in our community and for future generations of Falmouth residents,” she said.

“It will be forever free to access and use by anyone living in or visiting the area- there are so few opportunities for free fitness and social activities -this is a real, tangible investment in our future. It will be maintained by Falmouth Town Council.”

The largest donator to the Crowdfunder will even have the honour of cutting the opening ribbon of the park when it opens.

The project started In February 2010 when Falmouth School boy’s campaign to create a skatepark to rival the best in the country started to gather momentum.

Mikey Cartlidge and his best friend Zyam King won the support of more than 2,000 skateboard fans through his Facebook page and then took his campaign to Falmouth Town Council to begin negotiations for a new and improved skatepark.

Mikey’s campaign caught the attention of adult skateboarders who came on board to support Mikey and his campaign. A committee was soon formed and Chaired by Alex Brinnen and supported by Falmouth Town council.

Alex told the Packet: “Even though it’s a horrible day it’s amazing to see how many people have turned out showing their support for this. The project has been running for so long now it seems like we are absolutely about to go ahead.

“There always was traditionally a skatepark here but there is just such a lack of things to do outside for the youth and their families to do outside in Falmouth.”

He said skateparks are a great place for the community to get together and learn social skills and give them a sense of space, exercise and mental health.

Funding for the groundworks including foundations and the drainage system are already paid for and work is due to start within the next couple of weeks.

It is planned plan to complete the project in three stages:

• Ground work

• Skatepark build

• Parking and road infrastructure

The Crowdfunder can be found at crowdfunder.co.uk/p/falmouth-skatepark-project.