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If you’re cool enough to be part of London’s skateboarding scene, you’re probably familiar with Kenny. But for anyone who’s not up to date on all the lingo, no, Kenny isn’t a cool kid on the block or an old school veteran who’s been riding the bowl for years.
Kenny is the nickname used by locals for the iconic Kennington Park Skatebowl. The rectangular bowl, hidden away on the north side of Kennington Park next to the war memorial, has a storied past. Designed by ‘grandfather of British skateboarding’ Lorne Edwards, it’s one of the oldest skate spots in the capital, having opened in 1978.
In the decades since, it has cemented itself as a fave among skateboarders, BMX bikers and rollerbladers alike. But wear and tear has forced Kenny out of action over the past few years.
Now, following a petition from campaigners, Lambeth Council has promised to breathe new life into the skatepark.
In September 2025, local group Friends of Kennington Park (FoKP) launched a petition calling on the council to fulfil its previous promise to restore the skatebowl. The petition, with backing from Skateboard GB, the governing body for skateboarding in Britain, got more than 2,500 signatures. Lambeth Council has now pledged £566,000 to bring Kenny back to its former glory.
This isn’t the first time a revamp of the Kennington Park Skatebowl has taken place. In May 2012, Converse (yes, the shoe brand) renovated the bowl under its ‘Fix to Ride’ scheme, with help from California Skateparks, re-surfacing the concrete to make it a smoother ride and adding several new modern elements to sides of the bowl.
But issues with the foundation meant the place quickly lapsed back into disrepair. Kenny was originally constructed on a tarmac court and tree roots beneath it have continued to distort its surface.
Lambeth Council’s proposed works involve installing screw-pile foundations to fix the problem more permanently and realign concrete slabs. Special contractors who are skilled in skateboard-grade concrete fabrication and finishing will be involved in the renovations, ensuring Kenny gets the TLC it deserves. The extensive work will also include asbestos remediation, essential concrete works, grinding/polishing and the design and construction of an access ramp.
Kenny’s transformation is just one of dozens of projects forming the local council’s Capital Investment Programme, which will see a total of £74.5 million re-invested into public services and community initiatives.
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