Council plan for new skate park

Ryde City Council is expected to approve plans for a new street-scape style skate park early next year.

The new facility has been designed by the firm Red Box at a higher skill level in response to requests by local youth during the consultation process.

An existing skate facility at Wilga Reserve in Macquarie Park is being neglected by young people because it isn’t challenging enough.

After three community consultation meetings, the final design for the new skate park was recently presented to the community group that has been involved with the design development over the past three months.

“There will be three options presented to Council so they can decide on the best location,” Manager Parks Peter Hickman said.
Council will decide on a site in the New Year and work on the skate park should be complete by June 2006.

“First we need to establish the site, then lodge the development application. Construction should only take about six weeks,” Mr Hickman said.

The initiative is in response to the growing need to provide young people with appropriate community activities in the area.

“It’s very positive for youth. It’s a step in the right direction to provide recreation and leisure facilities for the young adult group.” Mr Hickman said.

Finding a suitable site for skate facilities often becomes a nightmare for councils as many residents oppose the building of a skate park near them. While funding may be readily available, often no site can be agreed upon.

“Now our challenge is to find an activity in a controlled environment which females can enjoy as well. It is definitely something that we are working on,” Mr Hickman said.

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