A FUNDRAISING drive to transform Torpoint's skatepark has gathered pace after a community event brought the town's vision for a new facility to life.

Torpoint Ramps Forum brought together skateboarders, scooter riders, families and supporters at Bénodet Park for its fundraising launch, giving residents a glimpse of what a redeveloped skatepark could offer the town.

The event featured a mini half-pipe, installed especially for the occasion, with Canvas Spaces, which is working with Torpoint Town Council and the Forum on the emerging design, organising competitions for local riders.

Skateboards, scooters and bikes filled the park, demonstrating the appetite for improved facilities and the potential for a space where young people and families could come together. The event raised approximately £520, adding to £112 collected at Mini Fest.

However, Torpoint Ramps Forum said the launch was about more than the money raised, marking the beginning of a major campaign to secure the funding needed to deliver the project.

A Forum representative said: “The most important thing about the day wasn't simply how much money we raised. It was about showing people what this space could become. For a few hours the skatepark was full of wheels, young people, families and activity, and that gave everyone a glimpse of the atmosphere a new skatepark could bring to Torpoint on a regular basis.

“This was our starting point. We wanted to put the project firmly on people's radar, build momentum and start the movement that will ultimately make the new skatepark happen.”

The campaign will now explore a range of funding opportunities, including grant applications, business sponsorship, donations, community fundraising and events.

A fundraising workshop was held this week to bring together people interested in helping the Forum identify opportunities, approach businesses and develop plans to raise the money required.

The representative added: “There are lots of different ways we can raise the money, from grants and business support to events, sponsorship and community fundraising. What we need now are the people to help make those ideas happen. The next stage is about mobilising the community and building a fundraising army around the project.”

The launch was supported by funding previously awarded by The Carew Pole Charitable Trust through a youth engagement grant, while Cornwall councillor Rob Parsonage contributed £200 from his Community Chest funding towards the cost of hiring the ramp.

Torpoint mayor Cllr Julie Martin said: “The deputy mayor and I were very pleased to support the Torpoint Skatepark fundraising launch. Both Bénodet Park and the skatepark were bustling with people enjoying themselves. Congratulations to everyone involved, it was a superb afternoon.”

Chandon Gallagher, from Canvas Spaces, said: “We were stoked to support Torpoint Ramps Forum in delivering the fundraising launch event. It was great to see so many people using the space, and the excitement towards the new skatepark was palpable. We will continue to work alongside Torpoint Town Council and Torpoint Ramps Forum to realise the aspiration for an upgraded facility in Thanckes Park.”

The Forum is encouraging residents, businesses and community organisations to get involved in the next stage of the campaign. Anyone interested in supporting the project can contact [email protected].