Freshwater Skate Deck Art Auction Raises Over £7,000 for New Skatepark

A community art auction in Freshwater has raised more than £7,000 towards plans for a new skatepark in the village.

Freshwater Parish Council has thanked everyone involved in the Skate Deck Art Auction, which combined online bidding with donations made in the lead-up to the event and on the night itself.

The closing event took place at the Royal Solent Yacht Club on Saturday evening, bringing together a packed audience of artists, volunteers, councillors and supporters of the skatepark project, which has been in development since 2019.

The online auction featured a collection of skateboard decks designed and painted by Island artists, with all proceeds going towards the proposed new skatepark facility.

Organisers praised the community effort behind the project, thanking artists for donating their work, bidders for their support, and volunteers who helped deliver the event.

Special thanks were also given to sponsors Wightlink and Rapanui for their backing.

A highlight of the evening saw writer and poet Harrison Wavell present an original story inspired by the Freshwater dragon logo, titled Alfred’s Dragon.

The auction raised £6,879, with additional donations taking the total to more than £7,000.

Freshwater Parish Council says the funds mark another key step forward in delivering a new skatepark for local young people and families.