Cunningham Crescent Skate Park is the name used on maps for the skatepark located within Moore Avenue Park in West Howe, on the Kinson side of Bournemouth. Locally, skateboarders and scooter riders refer to it as Moore Avenue Skatepark or simply "ToyTown." It is a compact, no-frills outdoor skatepark, designed for basic tricks and skills rather than advanced or large-scale skateboarding features.
What facilities does Cunningham Crescent Skate Park have
The skatepark features a straightforward layout of metal ramps fixed to a tarmac surface. Its elements include a mini ramp, quarter pipes, a jump box with a rail, and flat banks. This setup caters primarily to beginners and intermediate riders focusing on foundational skills. The absence of large concrete bowls or vert walls makes it unsuitable for those seeking high-speed or aerial tricks.
The mini ramp measures approximately 3 metres wide, providing a manageable size for practising transitions. The quarter pipes flank the edges of the park, each standing around 1.2 metres tall, allowing users to gain momentum and perform basic aerial moves. The jump box, positioned centrally, includes a sturdy metal rail for grinding and slide tricks. Flat banks offer smooth inclines for practising ollies and manuals.
The park’s compact design encourages social interaction and skill development in a safe environment. It is well maintained by the local council, with regular inspections ensuring the metal ramps remain secure and the tarmac surface free from cracks or debris. Lighting is limited, so skating is best during daylight hours.
What else is in Moore Avenue Park
Cunningham Crescent Skate Park sits within Moore Avenue Park, a Green Flag accredited community park serving the West Howe area. The park covers roughly 15 acres and offers a variety of recreational facilities beyond the skatepark.
Adjacent to the skate area are two full-size tennis courts with floodlighting, popular for casual and league play. A children’s playground features climbing frames, swings, and slides suitable for ages 2 to 12. Nearby, a ball court is marked for both basketball and five-a-side football, attracting local youth teams and informal matches.
Moore Avenue Park also includes picnic areas with benches and tables, making it a pleasant spot for families and groups. A small café operates from the park pavilion during weekends and school holidays, serving hot drinks and snacks. Public toilets are available in the pavilion building, open during park hours.
The park has free car parking with around 40 spaces, located close to the skatepark and playground. Paths throughout the park are tarmacked and wheelchair accessible. The park’s Green Flag status reflects its high standards of maintenance, safety, and community involvement.
The metal ramps and mini ramp at Cunningham Crescent Skate Park
How to get to Cunningham Crescent Skate Park
Moore Avenue Park is situated on Cunningham Crescent, West Howe, approximately 3.5 miles north-west of Bournemouth town centre. The park is easily accessible by car, bus, bicycle, and on foot.
By car, the park is reached via Kinson Road (A3049), turning onto Cunningham Crescent. Free parking is available on site, and the nearest main roads provide straightforward access from all parts of Bournemouth and Poole.
Public transport options include the number 15 bus, which runs between Bournemouth town centre and Kinson, stopping within a five-minute walk of the park entrance. Check the latest timetables on the local bus operator’s website or the BCP Council travel pages.
Cyclists can use the network of cycle paths linking West Howe with Kinson and the town centre. The park has bike racks near the pavilion for secure parking.
Walking from Kinson centre takes around 15 minutes via quiet residential streets. From Bournemouth town centre, walking is approximately 1 hour, so public transport or cycling is recommended.
When is Cunningham Crescent Skate Park open and what should visitors know
The skatepark is an open-air facility with unrestricted access during Moore Avenue Park’s opening hours. The park is open daily from 8am until dusk, which varies seasonally between approximately 4.30pm in winter and 9pm in summer.
There is no admission charge or booking required. The park is unsupervised, so users should take appropriate safety precautions, including wearing helmets and pads.
The metal ramps can become slippery in wet or icy weather, so it is advisable to avoid skating after rain or overnight frost. The tarmac surface drains reasonably well, but puddles may form in low spots. The park is not floodlit, so skating after dark is not recommended.
Local skate groups sometimes organise informal meet-ups and coaching sessions at weekends. Notices of these events can often be found on community noticeboards or social media pages dedicated to Bournemouth skateboarding.
Who uses Cunningham Crescent Skate Park and what skill levels suit it
Cunningham Crescent Skate Park primarily serves local residents of West Howe and neighbouring Kinson. Its design is ideal for children, teenagers, and beginners learning to skateboard, scooter, or BMX.
The small size and basic features mean it is not suitable for advanced riders seeking large bowls, vert ramps, or street-style plazas. However, it is well regarded as a safe, friendly space for developing skills and socialising.
Scooter riders and BMX users also find the park accessible, though the metal ramps are more common for skateboarding. The park’s proximity to schools and youth centres encourages younger users to visit after school and at weekends.
Parents often bring children here for supervised practice, taking advantage of the nearby playground and picnic facilities. The skatepark’s location within a larger community park adds to its appeal as a family-friendly destination.
How Cunningham Crescent Skate Park compares to other skateparks in Bournemouth and Poole
Bournemouth and Poole have several skateparks catering to different skill levels and styles. Cunningham Crescent Skate Park is one of the smaller, more basic facilities focused on beginners. Below is a comparison of key local skateparks:
| Skatepark | Location | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Cunningham Crescent | West Howe, Bournemouth | Mini ramp, quarter pipes, jump box, flat banks; metal ramps on tarmac |
| Boscombe Skatepark | Boscombe seafront | Large concrete bowl, street plaza, rails, ledges; suitable for all levels |
| Poole Skatepark | Poole town centre | Concrete bowls, street course, pump track; popular with BMX and skateboarders |
| Littledown Skatepark | Littledown, Bournemouth | Concrete ramps, quarter pipes, rails; intermediate level |
| Canford Heath Skatepark | Canford Heath, Poole | Outdoor concrete ramps and rails; beginner to intermediate |
Cunningham Crescent is best for those starting out or practising basic tricks, while Boscombe and Poole offer more advanced facilities and larger spaces. For a full overview of activities, see the things to do in Bournemouth guide.
The jump box and rail at Cunningham Crescent Skate Park
Where to find accommodation near Cunningham Crescent Skate Park
West Howe is primarily residential, with limited accommodation options within walking distance of the skatepark. Visitors staying overnight in Bournemouth often choose hotels or serviced apartments closer to the town centre or seafront.
Flexiestays offers a range of serviced apartments on Bournemouth’s West Cliff, approximately 3.5 miles south-east of Cunningham Crescent Skate Park. These apartments provide self-catering facilities and easy access to the beach and town amenities.
For a wider selection of hotels and guesthouses, see the Where to Stay and Hotels pages.
Exploring more of Bournemouth’s parks and outdoor activities
Moore Avenue Park is one of several Green Flag parks in Bournemouth, each offering different recreational options. Nearby parks include:
- Meyrick Park: Bournemouth’s original municipal park with woodland, golf course, and sports facilities.
- Muscliff Park: A 14.7-acre park with tennis courts, play areas, and community events.
- Kings Park: Large park with playing fields, bowling greens, and a café near Vitality Stadium.
For more outdoor attractions and activities, visit the Things to Do section or explore the Beaches along Bournemouth’s coastline.
The tennis courts and playground at Moore Avenue Park, near Cunningham Crescent Skate Park