Tramore Skatepark open for fun after radical revamp

Tramore Skatepark is officially open on the Lower Promenade after a smashing revamp.

On Thursday, September 19, skaters and bikers of all ages gathered at the new and improved park to show off their ollies, grinds and slides. 

Mayor of Waterford City and County Council Jason Murphy even had a go at the ramps, his attempts gallantly captured by photographer Joe Evans. 

Mayor Cllr. Murphy said: "I'm delighted to officially open this top-class facility here in beautiful Tramore, sun-drenched today. The skate park is a wonderful addition to Tramore as it provides a welcome, free, fun, active space for all to enjoy.

"Set here on the Prom and looking across at the beautiful sea, this skate park is the icing on the cake for the town. Tramore has everything. It has natural beauty, fun, family-friendly amenities and opportunities for outdoor pursuits."

Mayor Cllr. Murphy praised the park for making Tramore a hot destination for all. 

He said: "With the addition of the skate park to the town, we have yet another asset that will make Tramore an even more inviting and welcoming destination for young people, locals and tourists alike, and even middle-aged people like me."

The park was developed in collaboration with the local skateboarding community, and the fruits of their labour was clear for all to see. 

Mayor Murphy thanked the skateboarders and the Environment Department, particularly project manager Brian Murray, former Director of Services Fergus Galvin and Senior Executive Dawn Wallace for bringing "this high calibre amenity to Tramore".

He added: "The fantastic design of the park allows for creativity to develop and work on your own unique style, whether you are an experienced skater like myself (crowd guffaws) or stepping onto a board for the first time, this park is a place for yourself to express yourself, challenge yourself and become part of the community."

Local man and BMX rider Liam Walsh was very happy to see the park open, 40 years after he personally asked the then Mayor of Waterford to create a space for BMX and skating. 

He said: "Back in 1984 myself and 10 of my friends cycled down to the Mayor's office by the Theatre Royal and submitted plans for a BMX track. The Mayor was very nice but we didn't get it in town until 2003, and now here we are in 2024."

Liam was told at the time that BMX and skateboarding was a "fad" that would soon go out of style. 

He said: "Now BMX and skateboarding are pro sports, they're all in the Olympics, so people are not knocking on them anymore.

"They're great sports, they're really good for the kids. When you're with your kids and your BMX, you're going at the same level as them, same speed as them and it's all very safe."