Community skatepark ramping up facilities

A Birmingham DIY skate park is expanding to make its facilities more accessible to a larger section of the local community – thanks to the help of one of our branches.

Based in Selly Oak, Bournbrook DIY Skate Park was the first facility of its kind to be officially opened by a council in the UK and is now set to increase its number of ramps and features to make its facilities more suitable for learners looking to take up the sport for the first time.

Our Stirchley branch, based on Charlotte Road, has donated bricks, cement and other materials which will be used to help provide additional ramps, banks and obstacles for skateboarders just taking up the sport to enjoy.

Berni Good, director of Birmingham Skate Spaces, a Community Interest Company which created the facility, said: “Since we opened in 2021, Selco has been one of our largest and most consistent supporters.

“This is the third time that we have received materials from Selco and each time they have helped us take the skate park to the next level.

“Our main priority in the short term is to build an extension to the skatepark to help ensure we are able to accommodate people just starting out on their skateboarding journey, as well as those who have great experience and ability.

“We will be installing two further ramps and features to add to what we already have to increase our offering to the Birmingham skateboarding community.

“Now skateboarding is an Olympic sport, there has been a surge in interest and we want to do everything we can to encourage people to participate.

“So much of what we have achieved would not have been possible without the support of Selco’s donations. We will be forever grateful as funding is very difficult to secure.”

Michael Mushen, branch manager of Selco Stirchley, said: “We have formed a close relationship with Berni and the Birmingham Skate Spaces team and it’s been fantastic to watch – and support – their progress.

“This latest donation will help the skate park continue to serve as a fantastic facility for the whole of Birmingham and will attract more skateboarders than ever before.

“We are delighted to support a free-to-access outdoor facility that enables people to learn a new activity in a safe location and be part of a thriving and growing community.”