THE Overton community has banded together to raise funds for a brand new skate park.

Following representations from local skate park users, Overton parish Council pushed ahead to get the brand-new build off the ground.

Local fundraising, donations and grants, totalling £120,000 have been raised to rebuild the skate park at Sapley Lane Playing Field.

Overton Parish Council contracted Bendcrete to design and construct the new skatepark and this has now been completed ahead of schedule so that it can be used during the summer holidays.

Sapley Lane Playing Field was originally purchased by the parish council in 2002 and it offers the local community a place to walk their dogs, play football, basketball and practice their skating skills.

An Overton Parish Council spokesperson said: “The redevelopment of the skate park will be one of the largest public recreational developments undertaken by the parish council and it is hoped that it will be a place for children and enthusiasts to enjoy for many years to come”.

Overton skate park users ran a number of fundraisers in aid of revamping the skate park and raised £1,173 before the Covid lockdown.

The local Co-op gave a donation of £500 and a brilliant £10,000 was received from the National Lottery.

The balance of the funding came from the Local Infrastructure Fund, overseen by Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council and Overton Parish Council.

The spokesperson added: “It is great to see the final designs come to life and the parish council hopes that all skate park users from the village will enjoy this new facility.

“Maybe Overton will produce a gold medal winner for the next Olympic Games!”

Further plans for the playing field are now being considered, which could include a children’s play area, pump track, multi-use games area, further seating, a kick-about area and tree planting.