A major new attraction for a seaside town has been given the seal of approval by a Olympic medallist.

The Klondyke Skatepark on Pier Avenue in Southwold has been a decades-long labour of love for skateboarder Carl Hurr and his partner Melanie Wilson, after they raised £167,000 to build the facility through fundraising and grants.

The stunning new skatepark in Southwold from the skies. Picture: Rob Howarth PhotographyThe stunning new skatepark in Southwold from the skies. Picture: Rob Howarth Photography (Image: Rob Howarth Photography)

Old wooden ramps at the skatepark have been replaced with a modern design made from concrete, with the new look realising a 35-year dream for Mr Hurr.

Having been open to the public a few weeks, crowds were treated to a special appearance from Olympic high jumper and coach Robbie Grabarz at its official opening by town mayor Simon Flunder recently.

The Klondyke skatepark is officially opened by left to right: Trevor Clifford from the Southwold and Reydon Recreational Development Council, Simon Flunder, Carl Hurr and Melanie Wilson. Picture: Rob Howarth PhotographyThe Klondyke skatepark is officially opened by left to right: Trevor Clifford from the Southwold and Reydon Recreational Development Council, Simon Flunder, Carl Hurr and Melanie Wilson. Picture: Rob Howarth Photography (Image: Rob Howarth Photography)

After winning a silver medal at the London Olympics, he recently returned from Paris 2024 after coaching British record holder Morgan Lake.

Mr Grabarz said: "My aunt lives in Southwold and I’ve been coming here since I was 13 for a holiday.

"I’ve always been a skateboarder, alongside my high jumping.

"The finish of the new park is incredible, it’s easy to skate on and I know it’s been a long time in the making.

"Everyone should be proud of what they have achieved."

A youngster enjoys the new skatepark. Picture: Rob Howarth PhotographyA youngster enjoys the new skatepark. Picture: Rob Howarth Photography (Image: Rob Howarth Photography)

Mr Hurr, who has been skateboarding since he was 13, spent more than three decades trying to reopen the skatepark after it was closed in the 1990s due to underfunding and wear and tear.

"We have a skatepark that has a sea view and a bowl, which I think is pretty unique.

"It makes me feel so proud as I always thought this was the right place to have it."

The skatepark was designed by Wheelscape and incorporates a bowled end mini ramp, ledges inspired by real street obstacles and free flowing elements.

Russell Heidemann from the skatepark designers Wheelscape trying out the course. Picture: Rob Howarth PhotographyRussell Heidemann from the skatepark designers Wheelscape trying out the course. Picture: Rob Howarth Photography (Image: Rob Howarth Photography)

Grants came from East Suffolk Council, Suffolk County Council, the Southwold Trust, Southwold Town Council and the Southwold and Reydon Recreational Development Council, enabled by Trevor Clifford, as well as individual donations.

Simon Flunder, Mayor of Southwold, said: "This is the icing on the cake - or the skateboard on the concrete - for this area of our special town."