SHARPSHOOTING Olympic gold medallist Richard Faulds was on hand to formally open the eagerly-awaited skatepark in Longparish.
As well as a £13,000 grant from Test Valley Borough Council, the youngsters have been working flat out to raise about £4,000 to help pay for the park.
Organiser Fiona Gould said the youngsters used to practise their skills at the top of the village, but there were some problems generated with residents because of noise.
Skateboarders sent emails explaining their problem to the village website and after that a trip was organised to look at a number of facilities. The youngsters eventually plumped for a wooden, two-level half-pipe which was big enough to take BMX riders as well as skateboarders and bladers.
Fundraising events included a sponsored walk, clearing up after the village fete and cleaning cars. All their hard work was rewarded with the opening of the new facility. The youngsters have now committed themselves to fundraising every year to pay for maintenance.
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