Funding has been secured to restore a skate park dedicated to the memory of a professional skating champion who died in a tragic accident aged just 23.
Richard Taylor, from Barry, was the British inline skate champion when he died in 2004 after a freak accident where he collided with a lamp post while skating.
The skate park continued to inspire skaters in his name, however, after 16 years the facility needed a complete replacement.
Richard's brother Rob set a goal of raising a quarter of a million pounds to upgrade the skatepark and keep his brother's legacy alive.
Richard, who was the best inline skater in the UK, if not the world at the time of the accident, broke both his legs and fractured his skull when he ran into a concrete lamppost during the accident. He'd skated off a pavement after his knee seemingly gave way, Rob said. He died five days later in hospital in Cardiff.
"He was just skating down a local hill in Barry with a friend," said Rob, who was in Australia at the time. "My friend said his leg just gave way and that it happened so fast. It was one of those incidents that you wouldn't think could happen. My friend was laughing at first, because the fall didn't look that bad. But it was just the way he fell."
Now, it has been confirmed by the Vale of Glamorgan Council that the funds have been identified to develop a new concrete park on the existing memorial site at the Knap.
A contribution of £30,000 has come from The Richard Taylor Memorial Fund, and has been added to approved funds from the council.
Additionally, an application to Sport Wales has been approved securing the majority of the funding required.
Owen Hathway, assistant director for insight, policy and public affairs at Sport Wales, said: “Sport Wales are delighted to be able to support the development of the brand new skate park in Barry. The funding secured through Welsh Government, as well as the local authority and the generous contribution from the charity, show this is a real collaborative effort."
An estimated £330,000 is needed for the facility which will be free to use for skaters and BMX users.
Richard’s brother Rob said: “It is great to see the progress being made by all parties on this project. We are delighted that something new and exciting will appear at the site in the future.
"Most importantly for the family it will continue to provide a quality free facility for all to use and provide the opportunity for all to be involved in activities that Richard excelled in.”
Councillor Kathryn McCaffer, Vale of Glamorgan council cabinet member for leisure, arts and culture, added: "I am delighted that we have been able to move so quickly to secure funds to construct a new park.
"I am very grateful to the Richard Taylor Memorial Fund for both their generous contribution towards this project and for the expertise they bring to the exciting plans that are being developed.”
Find out more about the Save the Rich Taylor memorial skatepark here.
