DORCHESTER Skate Park has officially opened after 12 years of planning, fundraising and designing by passionate skaters.

The opening of the £187,000 multi-purpose skatepark in Weymouth Avenue was watched by crowds of people, skating celebrities and local officials.

Chairman of the Skatepark committee Dominic Tolson, 43, said: “The opening went brilliantly – there were about 300 or 400 people here and it’s just hard to believe it is now finished and open.

“The committee, made up of skate enthusiasts’ aged from 10 to 43, started more than 10 years ago and worked so hard to achieve the funding and the planning of the site.

“Committee member Mark Noble was there from the start and has done a fantastic job helping to design the site.

“We think the park will not only be good for the skaters and BMX riders that live here but it should draw people in from all over.

“It did take a while to persuade people that there was a need for a park in Dorchester but now it’s open, everyone can see how popular it is.”

The skatepark committee worked tirelessly to achieve the £180,000 funding and their work resulted in funding and support from local councils and youth groups.

Committee secretary Mark Noble – a British BMX champion in the 1980s – was involved with the design of the park by Poole specialist company Maverick Industries.

The design was kept in keeping with Maumbury Rings and built for BMX riders as well as skaters.

A spokesman for Maverick Industries said: “The opening day was absolutely amazing – I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many young people.

“We are so pleased to be involved with this project and we are proud that we were chosen to design and build the park.

“People will be drawn to this park from different parts of the country and it will really put Dorchester on the map.”

The family fun day included music, professional demonstrations, graffiti workshops, face painting and a circus skills performer.

The park is open 24 hours a day and free to all users.