A brand new skatepark and children’s play area has officially opened at Wigmore Valley Park in Luton, following seven years of campaigning by the local skating community. The upgraded site replaces old, rusted equipment that had become unsafe, providing a modern space for skateboarders, BMX riders, and scooter users of all abilities.
To celebrate the project’s completion, Luton Rising is hosting a free event called the Maverick Jam on Saturday, 2 May 2026. Running from 11am to 3pm, the day will feature skate demonstrations, open competitions, children’s arts and crafts, music, and various prizes.
The facility was designed and built by Maverick Skateparks. It features a smooth concrete plaza, a snake run with rollovers, clamshell corners, and a mini-ramp. Russ Holbert, director of the company, described the new park as a significant upgrade designed to nurture beginners while still offering challenges for more experienced riders.
The development was funded by Luton Rising, the company owned by Luton Borough Council that manages London Luton Airport. Beyond the skatepark, the wider improvements to the site include new public toilets, free public Wi-Fi, and a catering facility operated by the Royal Voluntary Service. The area has also seen environmental upgrades, including the planting of 31 new trees and over 2,500 shrubs.
Pupils from Wigmore Primary School were the first to test the new equipment when the park officially opened on 15 April 2026. The completion of the site has been welcomed by local leadership, including Council Leader Cllr Hazel Simmons MBE and Luton Rising Deputy Chair Cllr Javeria Hussain, who both praised the space as a vibrant and accessible community asset.
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