North Berwick’s new skatepark is set to open this weekend after more than two years of hard work and dedication by volunteers.

The £160,000 project has been led by North Berwick Community Skatepark Project (NBCSP), a group dedicated to sourcing funding to bring a first-class facility to the town.

The finalised design was created by Concreate Skateparks, a Grangemouth-based firm with more than 20 years’ experience in developing “innovative and creative skatepark terrain”.

A new skatepark has been in the works since the indoor skatepark at the former theSPACE facility closed in 2015, while the previous outdoor facility at Recreation Park was “not fit for purpose”.

The new facility replaces the former skatepark at Recreation Park, bringing a more dynamic experience for skaters and scooter riders.

An event to launch the new facility takes place on Saturday, 12.30pm to 5pm, with county MSP Paul McLennan officially opening the amenity.

There will be music, burritos, skate demos and prizes of skating equipment awarded for the best tricks of the day.

East Lothian Courier: Poster

Lewis Houghton, North Berwick Community Skatepark Project committee chair, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be opening this fabulous skatepark; it’s been over two years of all-consuming activity from our very small committee.

“We’ve consulted widely, raised the funds, organised events and co-ordinated the build. Our vision was to create a skatepark to be proud of so it’s thrilling to finally have reached that goal.

“We’ve been cheered and encouraged all the way by the support within our community, from those that sponsored the build so generously, East Lothian Council who have allowed us to use their land and have helped us along the way, and our amazing build crew led by the talented Ruari Britee-Steer, who leads the Concreate Skateparks Ltd team.”

Funding came from North Berwick Trust, North Berwick Coastal Area Partnership, Sportscotland, SUEZ Community Trust, North Berwick Rotary Club, Stella Moffat Trust, Russell Bequest, Law Cycles, East Lothian Council’s Community Intervention Fund and Tesco.

Further funds were donated by St Andrew Blackadder Church congregation and the Law Race while a Steampunk café fundraiser paid for lights at the park and skating kit for children to borrow for free.

The group also thanked The Lighthouse for donating funds to pay for the opening event stage and generator.

An East Lothian Council spokesperson added: “We are pleased to have worked closely on this project in conjunction with the community group, who raised funding in addition to council capital money for the refurbished skatepark in North Berwick.

“We are looking forward to the opening of the new upgraded facility and we’re sure it will be a valuable asset that will be enjoyed for many years.”