Burnham’s free Riverside Park workshops continue 26 August

Riverside Park’s toilet block, picnic area and new bench tops are becoming canvases for a community-designed makeover. The free Riverside Park Art and Skateboarding Workshops are taking place at Riverside Park in Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, on 25 and 26 August, with residents of all ages invited and a particular focus on young people aged 18 and under.

The remaining art session runs from 1pm to 3pm on 26 August. Entry is by drop-in, and no previous art experience is required. The first day included art activities from 1pm to 5pm and free skateboarding tuition from noon to 5pm.

Park features become a community artwork

Professional graffiti artists from Brave Arts are leading participants through the design and creation of a new mural for the park’s toilet block and picnic area. Residents can meet the artists, contribute ideas and take part in producing the finished work rather than simply viewing it after installation.

Artists will also transform the tops of newly installed benches with colourful designs. Maldon District Council says involving young residents in the process is intended to produce artwork that reflects the community and gives participants a direct role in shaping a public space they use.

The project follows a community mural completed at Promenade Park last year, where young people worked alongside professional artists. The Riverside Park programme is being delivered with Original Creative Work and Brave Arts as part of the council’s Her Space Burnham project.

That wider initiative seeks to involve young people in improvements to public spaces across Burnham-on-Crouch. The work also supports Make Space for Girls, a campaign focused on making parks and open areas more welcoming to teenage girls, women and girls.

Skateboarding tuition offered alongside the mural

King Ramps delivered free skateboarding workshops at Riverside Park’s skatepark on 25 August from noon to 5pm. The sessions were open to residents of all ages and abilities, including first-time skateboarders and people seeking to develop existing skills.

Professional instructors provided tuition during the sessions. This created a second way for young residents to participate in the two-day programme, alongside the mural design and painting activities led by Brave Arts.

The skateboarding programme was limited to 25 August, while the public art workshop continues on 26 August. Visitors attending the final day should therefore expect the mural and bench-art activities rather than another advertised skateboarding session.

Drop in before the final session ends at 3pm

The 26 August workshop runs from 1pm until 3pm at Riverside Park, Burnham-on-Crouch. Attendance is free, participants can drop in during the session, and the invitation extends to adults as well as young people. The council announcement does not provide transport or accessibility arrangements.

People who cannot attend can still submit mural ideas and suggestions by emailing [email protected]. Councillor Simon Morgan, leader of Maldon District Council, said the workshop gives young people an opportunity to learn skills and create something that residents and visitors will continue to see in the park.

The project has received £18,000 from the Rural England Prosperity Fund, together with match funding from the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex. The amount of that additional match funding was not specified in the council’s announcement.

Source: Maldon District Council News