Harlow Council announces Town Park Skate Park to be transformed in 2026
Lifestyle / Mon 9th Mar 2026 at 07:55am
HARLOW Council has announced a major upgrade to the Town Park Skate Park, with a full transformation planned for later this year. It’s a project the council says is not just an investment in facilities, but an investment in Harlow’s future and its young people.
The council’s budget 2026, approved last week, sets out significant investment across the town. Among the projects is a £250,000 boost for the Town Park Skate Park, which will help fund its biggest transformation since it first opened nearly 18 years ago.
The plans will fund a complete resurfacing of the 650‑square‑metre concrete park, ensuring a smoother, safer space for skating, BMX and scootering. The council also wants to extend the popular facility and plans to explore further funding as well as upgrade lighting and CCTV.
For young people especially, the skate park is one of the town’s most used and most loved spaces – a place to learn new skills, make friends and build confidence.
Councillor Danielle Brown, Cabinet Member for Culture and Community, said:
“The Skate Park is a hugely popular facility and a real social hub in the Town Park. It’s clear just how much this space is loved, especially over the summer when young people spend hours there with their friends.
“What has struck me most is the incredible community spirit among the skaters. I’ve spent time down there watching and speaking with people who use the park regularly, and they shared their ‘wish list’ for improvements. I’ve been really impressed by their passion and how they look out for one another, and we’ve taken those suggestions on board.
“This upgrade isn’t just about concrete and lighting – it’s about giving young people spaces to stay active and be proud of their town. It will be the biggest investment the council has made in the Skate Park since it opened in 2008, and by working closely with the local skate community we’re creating a revamp that people of all ages can enjoy.
“Harlow is such an exciting place to be right now. There is so much love and effort being poured into our town, and this project is a perfect example of that momentum. What better way to build Harlow’s future than by investing in the next generation?”
Ryan
2026-03-09 08:19:37
Hi YourHarlow, Who is the best to contact at the council about this and any proposed plans?
Mike
2026-03-09 08:42:12
Will there be a consultation? No one who was involved in the original planning and construction are aware of this upgrade. Thats a lot of money to waste if the design and build is wrong and will make it unusable.
David Forman
2026-03-09 09:40:54
An opportunity for Dan Swords to wear his hard hat and dust off his skateboard. I'm looking forward to seeing him filmed doing his Nerd Flip. See skateboard tricks at https://www.skateboardhere.com/skateboard-trick-list.html
Pete
2026-03-09 10:31:55
This seems to be an awful lot of money for a site which I have never seen to be particularly used. If money is available, would it not make sense to move it to a more central location. Surely space could be found in the leisure zone area, it fits into the supposed objectives of the Harlow sports trust, or even the college grounds, both of which have basic amenities in place. I am all for investment in youngsters but does this really fit the bill (pun not intended). I suppose the answer lies with youngsters themselves so parents ask your children.
Eddie
2026-03-09 15:19:04
Pete. I think moving it will probably cost more than £250000, and probably will need planning permission, solicitors, etc. Also if it gets kids out of their bedrooms , and meeting up with mates in the fresh air then it's worth the money isnt it .David Foreman , if you can't say anything constructive, I suggest say nothing at all. You are not funny.🤫🤐
Seamus
2026-03-10 23:21:19
I'm old enough to remember when the skate park was flat and you hired the skates from the little wooden office at the bottom of the stairs. This was also the start up of Skateboarding era and the rink adapted. We were also lucky enough to have local area playscheme's which sadly most have now closed. Skateboarding and bmxing is a youth thing and there arent enough of those in Harlow. As long as it goes through planning properly (Don't let Dan near it 8-), Then why not put it up?
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