Over 2,000 Skateparks Identified in Landmark UK Audit
The UK’s first-ever national audit of skateable spaces has revealed more than 2,000 facilities across the country, marking a historic moment for skateboarding and other wheeled sports. Created in collaboration between Skateboard GB, Goldsmiths, University of London, and skatepark specialists Betongpark, the year-long project will provide insight into the infrastructure supporting one of Britain’s fastest-growing sports and wider culture.
Regional skate community specialists across the UK gathered data from in-person site surveys, desktop research, crowdsourcing local knowledge, semi-structured interviews, geospatial mapping and records from Skateboard GB and The Skateparks Project to create a comprehensive picture of the UK’s skateable environment. Beyond simply counting facilities, the audit examined each site in detail, recording features such as obstacles (ramps, rails, ledges), age, construction methods, condition, and levels of community activation.
“This audit is the first of its kind in Europe,” said James Hope-Gill, CEO of Skateboard GB. “We now have a clear UK-wide view of where skateparks and other skateable spaces are, how they’re being used, and what condition they’re in. This will help us work with Local Government, communities, and skatepark companies to ensure skateboarding continues to thrive in all UK Home Nations and regions.”
The timing of the audit reflects skateboarding’s rising profile. Since its Olympic debut at Tokyo in 2021, where Sky Brown won bronze for Great Britain, skateboarding has captured international imagination. Brown’s further success at Paris 2024 reinforced skateboarding’s place on the global stage and inspired a new generation of skaters.
The full research, a summary of which will be released on 17th March and will provide detailed analysis of regional distribution, factors which affect use, progression, safety and community building. It is hoped that policymakers and Local Authorities will use this resource to guide future investment, ensuring skateparks and other skateable spaces are not only built but sustained as vibrant hubs of activity.
“This research validates the growth and spread of skateable spaces across the UK,” added Dr Esther Sayers, Senior Lecturer in Education at Goldsmiths, University of London. “It underscores the importance of improving facilities at local level and evidencing the potential in working with highly engaged communities.”
Stuart Maclure, Development Director, Betongpark, added that: “Riders and companies coming out of the UK have always had a global reach, but for some reason our skateable infrastructure in the last 20 years has often lagged behind the high standards set in North America and Western Europe. Our research shows when considering materiality alone, around half of our skateparks need replacing and we are
without an Olympic competition standard skatepark. Data from this research provides policy makers, Local Authorities and community groups the evidence needed to lobby for the design and construction of a new generation of skateparks across the 12 regions of the UK.”
With over 2,000 skateparks now mapped, the UK stands at the forefront of global skateboarding growth, ready to build on its Olympic success and community momentum.