Who knew a skateboard ramp could bring so much joy (and air!) to a community? We’re thrilled to share the exciting news from RAF Henlow, where a fantastic new easy-to-assemble skateboard ramp is now a buzzing hub of activity, all thanks to a generous £1,950 grant from the NAAFI Fund!
This awesome addition to the base’s facilities came about in a truly inspiring way: a young person, spotting a gap in places to practice their skateboarding skills, bravely suggested the idea. And what a brilliant suggestion it was! The NAAFI Fund recognised the potential and stepped up to make it a reality.
The build day on 28th March 2025 was a testament to community spirit. A team of enthusiastic volunteers tackled the assembly, following the instructions like pros. By early afternoon, just in time for school pick-up, the half-pipe was complete and ready for action!
The goal of this project was simple yet powerful: get people outdoors, active, and connecting. And it’s safe to say, mission accomplished! Since its completion, the ramp has been a massive hit with everyone from young children finding their balance to families enjoying some quality time together, and even Service personnel getting in on the fun.
It’s been amazing to see the area around the ramp truly come alive. Located right next to the tennis courts, basketball court, and sports pitch, it seems the new energy has encouraged even more use of all these fantastic amenities.
The benefits to the RAF Henlow community are clear. Beyond the obvious fun and fitness, the ramp has provided a much-needed enhancement for teenagers, offering them a dedicated space to hang out and hone their skills. Perhaps most importantly, this project beautifully demonstrates that everyone’s ideas matter. A simple suggestion from a young person has brought so much positive change and enjoyment to the entire base.
WO Sarah Tuckwell, Service Community Support Officer and Project Lead, said “RAF Henlow prides itself on its sense of community and the offer we make to our families. ‘Young teens’ have been a difficult group for us to encourage out into the community, but the installation of this skate ramp has immediately borne fruit with many young people coming out, away from their screens into the fresh air to socialise with others of a similar age in just the first weekend of it being made available. It has been particularly pleasing to see the spread of ages enticed to play – from secondary school aged with their skate boards, to toddlers on scooters tentatively inspired to emulate older siblings – and of course the supervising parents having the opportunity to socialise and the odd one showing off long-forgotten skills! Thank you.”
A young person who is benefitting from this project said “My Mummy and Daddy took me to play on the new skate ramp. I liked it and my Daddy had a go too. It was really funny watching him fall off!”
Do you have a brilliant idea for a community project that just needs a little financial nudge to get off the ground? – get in touch with us today @naafisocial!
