FH Stories | Skate, skate and away
It’s what we’ve all been waiting for – the opening of the world’s first purpose-built multi-storey skatepark, and it’s right here in Folkestone!
F51 is an incredible addition to the fun of Folkestone and is home to three skatepark floors, (including the world’s first suspended concrete bowls), a 15 m climbing wall (the tallest in the south east), a dedicated bouldering area, boxing facilities, and a café, all in a brand new building.
With something for all abilities and tastes in skateboarding, riding and climbing, there are open sessions, coaching, clubs, holiday camps and a range of creative workshops.
You can drop in and get active, watch the kids being active, or simply sip a coffee in the café!
Some techy detail
The first floor bowls offer two suspended concrete bowls, one with traditional pool coping and a 2.5m deep end, and the other with a 2.7m corner bowl extensions, 400m of oververt and large rideable pillars.
The two upper floors, the street and flow floor, are made from timber and designed for both beginners and experienced skaters to practise street and transition skating. The street floor features obstacles inspired by street furniture, and the flow floor is home to wall rides, volcanoes, waterfalls, blends, skateable pillars and more.
Climbing high
F51, the tallest climbing venue in the south east, offers over 350 sq m of climbing surface, up to a height of 15m, with 15 climbing lines and over 30 graded routes with vertical, slab, and steep overhang roof sections.
There are two dedicated speed climbing walls with auto belays and speed timers to test speed and endurance, and a dedicated bouldering area with over 230 sq m of surface to tackle graded routes and blocs up to 4 m high.
Boxing clever
Folkestone Amateur Boxing Club also has a new home in a world class boxing gym in the F51 building, and is hoping to widen access and membership.
How to get there
F51 is in Tontine Street and Folkestone is just a 54 minute train journey from London St Pancras. Designed to attract those living locally as well as visitors from further afield F51, unlike most such locations which are often on industrial sites, is located in the heart of the town.
Find out more
F51 has been funded by the Roger de Haan Charitable Trust, which has given the building to the people of Folkestone.
Facilities are run by The Sports Trust.
F51 Sports Park, Tontine Street, Folkestone CT20 1SD.