SKATERS can now show off their stunts in style after a new skate park for all ages was opened in Bovington as part of a 10 year project.

After a seven year fundraising effort by the military community and non public fund sources, Bovington Garrison opened the skate park on Friday.

The skate park, located off the King George V Road and adjacent to the Bovington Camp entrance, was opened by the Armour Centre Deputy Chief of Staff, Lieutenant Colonel John Smith.

The newly-opened attraction includes facilities for BMX bikes, skateboards, in line skates and scooters.

Paul Nelson, 12, from Wool, was asked to cut the ribbon to open the attraction before skaters descended on the skate park to try out their stunts.

Paul said: “I was very happy to be asked to open the new skate park; this one is different to the one we have in Wool so it gives us the chance to try out different tricks.”

The skate park is the culmination of a three stage project to provide playground facilities for the Garrison and all local community children.

Phase one saw the transformation a derelict play area into swings and a play park costing £15,000, while phase two meant a new multi use games area (MUGA) costing £60,000.

The skate park, costing £108,000, was phase three of the project which was ongoing for four years.

Speaking at the event to open the skate park, Lieutenant Colonel John Smith said: “The Garrison and Community skate park is part of a wider project designed to support the fitness and wellbeing of children in the community.

“The drive, determination and continuity for the project came from Garrison Support Officer Lieutenant Colonel Stewart Burman and his team.”

Lt John Smith also thanked a number of skate park sponsors who made the project possible.

Dorset County Council’s health and wellbeing fund gave £8,000 towards the skate park, £5,000 came from the Pat McCullogh Trust, £5,000 from the Synergy Housing Trust and £90,000 came from MOD non public funds, together with further Garrison funding.

Lieutenant Colonel Stewart Burman, who is now retired, said he was ‘delighted’ to finally see the skate park come to fruition.

He said: “It doesn’t matter where you live, or whether your parents are in the armed forces, the skate park is open to anyone.”

Rod Webb, chairman of Wool Parish Council, said Lt Burman and his team did a ‘marvellous job’ with the skate park.

He added: “It’s great to see the skate park is already being used and it is great news for the community.”