The news comes over two months after Ports of Jersey announced they would close the existing skatepark at New North Quay for safety reasons. An agreement was then signed between Steve Pallett, St. Brelade Constable and the Assistant Minister with responsibility for Sport, and Ports of Jersey to reopen the park at weekends and during holidays as a temporary measure until a new location is found.

Constable Pallett then set up a working group with Deputy Andrew Lewis and St. Helier's constable Simon Crowcroft. He said: “It was very important that we reacted quickly to establish a working party on this project. The extreme sports community has helped generate really good momentum and I’m committed to working with them and the new project group to develop a new facility which works for everyone.”

Pictured: Ports of Jersey closed the New North Quay facility following a number of incidents alleged to have put both skatepark users and members of the public at risk.

The new association has now been formed with skateboarders, BMXers and John Cornwall of Jersey Youth Service. Karl Payne, the shadow chairperson, explained the riders have volunteered to be "an ear and a voice for young people and the community." He said: “Our focus will be on rider-led design and promoting skateboarding, BMXing, roller blading, street arts and any other activities that would be practiced in a skatepark as healthy and positive lifestyles.

“The appointment of PMR was the right way to go for us - So many people have been supportive of having a world class facility built, but support alone has not built the park. PMR’s role as Project Manager is to use the knowledge and experience gained in other community projects to convert all of this support and enthusiasm into a world class facility that islanders need."

PMR Leisure has already been consulting parents, riders, youth service representatives and the planning department amongst other key stakeholders. Their role will be not only to look into where a new skatepark could be built, but also to set out the social case for a new facility. Penny Lochhead, PMR's project leader, said: “Extreme sports cross the barriers of age, gender and social background to levels that can’t be matched by other sports. We’re working hard with agencies and supporters to ensure the site is the right one and will give this sport the presence it deserves for today’s and most importantly tomorrow’s skaters, BMX riders and those younger-generation of keen scooter riders.

Video: Some of the island's younger skateboarders in action.

"What has been key is that every door I have been through in such a short time has fully backed this project and people are willing to stand up and be counted as they recognise the need to see quality facilities for this sport in the island. With the onset of skateboarding in the Olympics in 2020, Jersey needs to provide facilities for young people to train on and therefore the opportunity, should they wish, to follow the Olympic dream.”

The Association received support from Jersey Sport in "pulling together an official body from a diverse set of individuals", Mr Payne said. James Tilley, Sports Partnership Manager for Jersey Sport, commented: “It’s great to see such enthusiasm and passion within the skateparks community. The personal stories of how involvement with the sports can change lives and develop life skills are really quite powerful and emotive.

“We’re pleased to be supporting the new Jersey Skateparks Association who are taking a focused, structured and coordinated approach to promoting the sports, developing athlete pathways and opportunities from beginner to elite rider and representing the voice of the skateparks community in Jersey. The association is at the very early stages and our role is to support the shadow committee and offer on-going support.” 

The Association will hold a public meeting at Town Hall on 4 April at 19:00 to give an update on what they describe "the most exciting project to happen in Jersey in the last 50 years."