Each issue of the magazine we feature Spot Check. Two pages of the mag dedicated to give you an isight into the new skateparks in the UK. Here we have Newbury’s newest concrete skatepark. Check it out below.

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The first time I went to see The new Newbury skatepark I popped in to town for a bottle of Panda Cola and a small snack. Upon entering the main square I came across three elderly people sat on a bench dressed in olden day clothes, spinning wool and knitting. A friendly shopkeeper dutifully informed me that it had something to do with an old tradition where they knit the Mayor a big jumper or something. This made absolutely no sense to me. I inquired about his snack range whereby he sold me a fried treat made from baby pig, and so I happily returned to the wonderful new concrete creation to continue getting sun burned.

The new skatepark is located in Victoria Park, a large green in the centre of town right next to the A339. It is situated on the site of the old metal skatepark which was long overdue a revamp. The park, though relatively small in its footprint is well laid out and fun.

The street course has a variety of rails, ledges and banks, as well as a few odd bits like a wavy quarter thing and a tight jersey barrier. The best part in many peoples opinion is the bowl. It’s your regular cock and balls shape, only with big balls and a stubby cock. The height ranges from about 5ft to about 6.5ft and it comes with a sub and a small spine linking it to the street course. The transitions are tight, as are the corners, so although it’s small you can really fly round this thing with speed without getting spat out the top. There are a couple of hips, both just over 90deg, although the one in the deep end can catch you out though, because of the tight trannies, so go fast and get your nose in!

Obviously as it’s so new this park gets busy, especially now we are in school holiday season, but that’s not too much bother if you’re just riding the bowl as it seems the kids tend to stick to the street course anyway. One thing I did notice was that the park doesn’t have that brand new slipperiness to it. I’m told this is because the locals specifically asked for the sheen not to be applied by the builders, but whatever the reason, it’s a good thing in my book.

As far as parking goes, you can either park in the pay carpark in town by KFC (RG14 5QP) or carry on down the A339 past the park and find your way in to the housing estate and park for free.

Even when not riding the location is a nice place to sit and chill, drink a beer and hang out in the park with the boys. Perfect for a summer session!