From Vision to Reality at RAF Marham

From Vision to Reality at RAF Marham

 

The Vision

RAF Marham is a densely populated military housing area, home to military families and their children. The client aimed to create a dedicated skate park alongside their playground refurbishment project, ensuring older children and teenagers had a dedicated recreational space to enjoy.

The skate park needed to be durable, safe, and engaging, providing a structured environment for skating and BMX activities while complementing the new play area for younger children.

 

The Solution

Caloo designed and installed Skate Spot One, a purpose-built skate facility that features a variety of ramps, rails, and platforms to encourage skill development and recreational play.

Key installations included:

• Flatbank SB-006 – Providing an ideal launch ramp for skaters and BMX riders.
• Funbox SB-009 – Creating a versatile trick area with multiple elevation points.
• Handbox Rail SB-031 – Encouraging grinding skills and balance.
• Quarter Pipe SB-001 – Offering a classic ramp for high-energy tricks.
• Spine Ramp SB-005 – Providing a dynamic transition between ramps.
• Step Grind Single SB-030A – Allowing for technical grinds and tricks.
• Grind Rail SB-004 – Supporting precision skating and BMX tricks.

Overcoming Challenges

As the site was located within a military housing area, additional security considerations were necessary. Unlike municipal parks, military children often roam more freely, requiring enhanced site safety procedures throughout the installation process.

To ensure safe and secure construction, the team:

• Conducted a thorough risk assessment before starting work.
• Implemented daily site inspections to remove potential hazards.
• Secured all work areas at the end of each day, ensuring that children and residents were protected from incomplete structures or equipment.

Additionally, the existing tarmac sub-base had sunken, requiring a full refit before installation could proceed. The team successfully:

• Completed the necessary ground repairs.
• Laid a new tarmac skim to provide a smooth, durable foundation.
• Ensured all work was completed on time, preventing delays in the project schedule.

 

The Impact

The new RAF Marham Skate Park has quickly become a popular hub for older children and teenagers, providing a safe, structured environment for skating and BMX riding.

• Replaces an outdated and worn play area, giving the community a fresh, modern space to enjoy.
• Encourages physical activity and social interaction, supporting mental well-being and community engagement.
• Visually enhances the area, offering a dynamic and contemporary recreational space.

“RAF Marham has recently been the beneficiary, courtesy of RAF Central Fund, of a brand-new play area and skate park, replacing an old worn-out area that was badly in need of refurbishment.
The job of replacing the old equipment went to Caloo Ltd, who, under the name ‘Monster,’ offered a wide range of excellently designed activity play frames and skate park items, suitable for an equally wide range of age groups.
The work was done professionally and to the highest of standards, including new coloured surfacing, giving the whole area a very visually pleasing uplift.”
– Flt Lt GJ Walker MBE TD RAF

With its carefully planned design, modern equipment, and community-driven approach, the RAF Marham Skate Park will serve military families for years to come, providing a safe, engaging space for young skaters and riders.