Skaterham Skatepark
The aim of the CR3 project is to continue to develop and extend our existing skatepark to provide facilities for young people in a safe and secure environment.
The CR3 Youth Project is a Community Project primarily run as a Skatepark. We have been operational for 12 years on an affordable for all basis for Young people ages ranging from 5 to 25+, a footfall of 400 to 500 per week and giving a safe and secure space for expending their energy.
We offer a tuck shop, run by volunteers, a skate shop, run by young people and Gods Kitchen offering a choice of food from burgers, nuggets, hotdogs and fries, or of course a veggie option.
We currently employ one full time and 2 part time staff and are grateful to a number of volunteers. We are located in what was formerly the Caterham Army Barracks Chapel. We have a 10 year lease (from 29th June 2009) which is rent free from Landlords Linden Homes Development Co however we do have to pay all the Chapels maintenance costs.
In 1999 we held a youth conference to find out what the young people of Caterham and the surrounding areas needed. From this conference we set up a ‘Skaterham’ and the membership has grown from 28 to 20,000+ to date. Active membership is approximately 6000.
Young members were included and helped with the original set up in the Gyms (now the Arc) and then when we moved to the Chapel . They are consulted on all aspects of the project with 2 young people as representatives on the Management Committee.
In February 2004 we opened a shop ‘Bear Stuff’ which is now run by one of our members for the benefit of all members the community. Our tuck shop is run by volunteers and staff and junior staff.
Following receipt of some funding, we planned, constructed and opened a new outdoor section in April 2005. We currently have six and four ft mini’s, 3 ft micro, volcano, jump box, 14ft vert wall, rails, blocks and café area. This area allows total beginners to try small ramps first.
In 2007 we received funding from the Norlands Foundation and added ‘Gods Kitchen’ to our facility, very popular on a Saturday morning for breakfast and offering food for parties at a very reasonable rate
We operate under strict health and safety regulations and provide an environment for young people where parents are happy to leave their children knowing they are protected from unnecessary risk or hazard.
We have recently raised £35,000 and built new toilets which is a great relief !!
The park has had a face lift with new signs in the entrance lobby, new artwork and a new reception. If you haven’t yet visited our facility please come along and have a look around I’m sure you will be amazed.
Marilyn Payne MBE
