Rush Skatepark was opened in December 2013 by husband and wife team Jerry & Michelle Norman with their sons Drew and Josh and family friend Matt Cottle. Josh was a BMX-mad 12 year-old and the experience of him visiting skateparks wasn’t great, particularly from his parents' perspective. Their belief that they could do better was soon borne out, but what they went on to create soon exceeded any expectation…

The park was based in an old disused factory in Brimscombe near Stroud, Gloucestershire. It had a sophisticated design made in Birch Wood Ply. A unique rider experience for BMX, Scooter, Skate Boards and In-Line Skates. 40,000 square feet in one space, the park was one of the largest in Europe.

It provided five separate parks in one venue: Street, Park and Bowl sections. A practice area included a Resi jump box, Foam Pit and Trials Track. A global community grew, not just riders, but families who made friends, enjoyed success and the thrill of seeing children and young adults growing both physically and mentally.

There were world championships, holiday clubs, fashion shows, concerts, business events. There were many tricks landed after relentless practise and oh the celebrations! But, The council owners had always been clear, they only ever saw the factory as temporary home for a skatepark and demolition was the plan. In August 2021 Rush Skatepark at Brimscombe closed for the final time.

By then the Tokyo Olympics had raised the public consciousness about BMX freestyle and Skateboarding in particular. Fundraising was underway, and very real prospects for a new park, to build on the rich legacy Rush Skatepark left behind were being established. The next chapter is yet to unfold…

Facilities

Park Section

This was designed like no other park anywhere in the world, with flexible elements to keep the experience and competitions fresh.

Practice Area

Resi Quarters, Spines, Jump Boxes and Foam Pit with Video Cameras and screens to show the riders what they are doing well and not so well.

Pump Track

The pump track had challenging turns and jumps but was wide enough for two riders to compete against each other.

Bowl Section

Large, deep and long - the feeling of Vert but never ending

Street Section

Creating a real urban vibe with flexible features to bring extra challenges for more experienced and professional riders

We would regularly spend hours enjoying the facilities, atmosphere and community of Rush Skate Park. When we moved into the area it became a home from home for my two boys.

We were all distraught when it was unfortunately taken away from the community and look forward to doing all we can to reconnect the young and old who loved everything about Rush.

Edith Bowman

Broadcaster