Okehampton Police joining efforts to revamp skate park
Officers have been part of a Skate Jam event there
Okehampton Police are working with the local community, to try and raise funds to rejuvenate a local skatepark.
A Skate Jam event was held at the Beare Bridge Road park on Saturday (17th May), attracting local families and competitors of all ages.
The skatepark was recently freshened up by local group Men in Sheds, ahead of a graffiti session run by Immersion to prepare the park for the Skate Jam event.
It was organised to encourage people of all ages to use the park in a bid to reduce anti-social behaviour.
The graffiti session involved four local children and took place following a successful bid for POCA (proceeds of crime act) funding provided by Devon and Cornwall Police.
Local PCSO Sean Jones said: “The idea for Skate Jam came about when a local company heard about the funded graffiti session and suggested hosting an event to promote the facilities.
“Okehampton doesn’t have much to offer children – particularly those aged 10 to 16 – and we hope local resources like the skatepark will be effective in reducing and preventing anti-social behaviour.
“The Skatepark has great potential to bring the community together but is in desperate need of renovation and there just isn’t the funding available, so all of the money raised on Saturday will go to the Okehampton Skatepark Regeneration group who are working to refurbish it and make it safe for the community to enjoy.
“We were overwhelmed by the support we received from local charities, business and youth clubs who provided prizes and helped to organise this fantastic event.
“Over £1,000 was raised, which will go towards much-needed renovations to the skatepark.
“I think the Skate Jam is a great example of what we can achieve when we work together, and this event has really strengthened the relationship between police and the Okehampton community.”