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Donkey Common Skatepark
Donkey Common skatepark sits at the gateway to Mill Road, one of Cambridge's most vibrant streets. Built nearly 20 years ago, the park is in need of refurbishment.
Cam Skate are working with Cambridge City Council to explore options for improving this space.
The construction of this skatepark makes it difficult to use safely.
Rough surface - The tarmac surface makes falls more likely and more dangerous.
Bumpy joins - Uneven transitions between ramp and ground can cause sudden stops.
Slippery material - The varnished ramp surface increases the risk of falls.
According to RoSPA guidance on skateboarding safety, "accidental falls due to loss of balance are the most common with about half of falls due to rough riding surface."
Additionally the outdated design makes this one of the most unpopular skateparks in the city:
Cam Skate, working with Cambridge City Council, considered three different approaches for this space. Based on feedback from councillors and the community, the available budget, and the fit with this central, city-centre location, the proposed design is a skate plaza.
Sat between Jesus Green skatepark, Trumpington skatepark and The Warehouse indoor skatepark, a plaza would be a central hub for skating in Cambridge. Its open layout fits seamlessly into the pedestrianised area at the gateway to Mill Road.
A street-style plaza with ledges, banks, and manual pads. This design feels like a public space while being primarily a skatepark.
Plaza-style parks are beginner-friendly and allow many skaters to use the space at once. They also suit the central, visible location at the gateway to Mill Road.
Outline concept produced by Cam Skate.
Estimated cost: £125,000
Pros
Cons
Click to view full outline concept document (PDF)
Image source: Born Skate Plaza, Barcelona
Two other designs were considered before the plaza was selected as the proposed approach. Click to expand the details.
A high-quality wooden mini ramp with Skatelite surface.
Example: Fowlmere mini ramp by Four One Four Skateparks.
Pros
Cons
A purpose-built concrete bowl offering a unique skating experience. Concrete is extremely durable and requires minimal maintenance.
Bowls are popular with transition skaters and the growing roller skating community. Cambridge currently has no dedicated bowl.
Example: Heartsease Pool in Norwich by Betongpark.
Pros
Cons
Image source: Betongpark
Refurbishing Donkey Common skatepark requires collaboration between the skating community, Cambridge City Council, and potential funders.
What we have:
What we need:
The plaza concept is designed to flex with the funding raised — a meaningful build can be delivered for around £100,000, with the full £125,000 design unlocking the largest skating area and the broadest mixed-use potential.
Funding progress towards the £125,000 plaza
Striped segments are funding sources that are in progress and not yet confirmed.
Want to get involved or share your views on the project? Get in touch at hello@cam-skate.co.uk
Read our Conflict of Interest Policy, Access Statement, and Equal Opportunities Policy.
Our planned route to a refurbished skatepark. We'll tick off each milestone as it happens — this is our best estimate, and the plan may shift as funding and council decisions land.
Letters of support and other documents relating to the Donkey Common skatepark campaign.
Around 450 people signed this petition calling on Cambridge City Council to refurbish the Donkey Common skatepark. Signatures were gathered by Cam Skate at the Mill Road Winter Fair in December 2022.
Joe Notarnicola, Recreation Technical Officer at Cambridge City Council, confirms the Council will take full responsibility for future maintenance of the Donkey Common skatepark for at least 10 years, and will invest a further £25,000 of ringfenced funds towards creating a new skating area on the site.
Thomas Keady, Lead Youth Worker at Red Balloon Learning Centre Cambridge, writes in support of the Donkey Common skatepark redevelopment. He describes the transformative impact skating has had on his SEND students and the value a new, accessible outdoor park in the heart of Cambridge would bring to young people and families.
PC Beatrice Ley, Neighbourhood officer for Cambridge City Centre and West, writes in support of renovations to the Donkey Common and Jesus Green skateparks. She sets out how pro-social use of these spaces — supported by better lighting, CCTV and skater consultation throughout planning — would help reduce anti-social behaviour in the area.
1 Darryl Preston - the Police & Crime Commissioner for Cambridgeshire - awarded the Donkey Common project £3,500 from the PCC Youth Fund. Unfortunately it was not possible to spend the money in time and the grant was returned.