School becomes first to get new $200,000 skate park
A state school has become the first in Britain to get its own skate park.
Folkestone Academy's new $198,000 facility is available to students during school days and to the wider community at weekends.
There are also plans to use it for PE lessons in the future.
Skateboard GB, the nation's governing body, says Kent is fast becoming the UK's "capital"of skateboarding.
A $17m multi-storey F51 skate park, also in Folkestone, is believed to be the first purpose-built, multi-storey skate park in the world.
Skateboarding has seen its profile grow in Britain in the wake of teenager Sky Brown's success at last year's Paris Olympics.
Neil Ellis, head of engagement at Skateboard GB, confirmed Folkestone's Academy's skate park is the first with a "concrete bowl" at a state school.
And he said: "There has definitely been a growth in the number of youngsters turned off by competitive sports.
"We are always playing to win, whereas in skateboarding, you are competing against yourself. It's freedom of expression and it's a massive step forward.
"There are many more schools bringing in skateboarding; Northern Ireland and Wales are implementing skateboarding into their curriculum.
"Kent does really well in skateboarding at schools; Canterbury Academy do a lot as well. F51 is the first, purpose-built multi-storey skate park in the world and also the most expensive skate park ever built in the UK.
"Margate is looking to build the biggest outdoor skate park in the country in the next two years."
Folkestone Academy also say the skating facilities are encouraging students disinterested in other aspects of education to go to school and have even improved attendance.
"That's a definite win," Mr Ellis continued. "Kids look forward to the skateboard sessions as part of their school day.
"It's adding value to their days."
The opening of the skate park at Folkestone Academy - part of Kent-based academy trust Turner Schools - earlier this month was attended by local families as well as pro skaters who enjoyed live DJ sets, coaching and giveaways.
The $198,000 facility, designed by British-Norwegian company Betongpark, was mainly funded by charity Friends of Folkestone Academy (FFA).
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