Families and young people in Luton can now enjoy a major upgrade to Wigmore Valley Park, with a new skatepark and children’s play area officially opening to the public.
The improvements, delivered by Luton Rising, mark a significant investment in one of the town’s most popular green spaces, with new facilities designed to make the park more accessible, inclusive and appealing to visitors of all ages.
Local pupils were given the first chance to try out the new play area earlier this week, as children from Wigmore Primary School were invited to explore the facilities ahead of the public opening.
The revamped park now features a large aviation-themed playground, designed to reflect Luton’s links to the airport while encouraging imaginative and social play. Equipment includes swings, slides, zip lines and climbing structures, alongside inclusive features aimed at ensuring children of all abilities can use the space together.
A new skatepark has also been created, offering a modern concrete plaza suitable for skateboarders, BMX riders and scooter users of all skill levels. The facility includes a range of features such as a snake run, rollovers, clamshell corners and a mini-ramp, and is expected to become a focal point for younger visitors.
Luton Rising said the upgrades had been shaped by feedback from residents and were intended to create a more vibrant and welcoming environment.
Councillor Javeria Hussain, deputy chair of Luton Rising, said: “These improvements have been long-planned, and we were thrilled that local schoolchildren were the first to be able to enjoy the new playground today.
“All of us at Luton Rising are proud to have delivered such a vibrant, accessible, and community-focused green space that can be enjoyed by all residents and visitors.”
Council leader Hazel Simmons said the new facilities reflected what the community had asked for.
She said: “The facilities are very impressive and exactly what the community said they wanted to see when they were asked a few years ago for ideas that could improve the park.
“It’s very exciting that the project has been successfully brought to fruition and to know that these amazing new facilities will be enjoyed for years to come.”
Alongside the headline additions, the project has introduced a range of supporting improvements across the park. A new catering outlet, run by the Royal Voluntary Service, is due to open later this month, alongside new public toilets, additional seating and free public Wi-Fi.
Accessibility has also been a key focus, with step-free routes, widened paths and new accessible parking bays installed to improve access across the site, including routes to the Covid Peace Garden Orchard.
Environmental enhancements have also been included, with 31 new trees and more than 2,500 shrubs and plants added to boost biodiversity and improve the park’s natural landscape.
Residents will have the chance to celebrate the transformation at an official opening event on Saturday 2 May, at the Wigmore Valley Skatepark Jam, with family activities, skate demonstrations and live entertainment planned throughout the day.
Hosted by Maverick Skateparks, who designed and built the park, the jam will run from 11am until 3pm and feature demonstrations from professional riders.
The family friendly day will include free-to-enter competitions for people of all ages and abilities across the wheeled sports disciplines: skate, BMX and scooter. There will be prizes up for grabs from Rubicon, Cafe Skateboards, Chilli, Deez Nutz, Enuff Skateboards, Keen Distribution, Micro Scooter, Tech Deck and many more.
Admission to the Wigmore Valley Skatepark LU2 9JB is free.
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