At an Ordinary Meeting of Council last night (25/02), the Skate and Scooter Park moved a step closer to reality with Council endorsing the final concept designs and Princes Park as the location for the new facility.
Central Goldfields Shire Chief Administrator Noel Harvey said last night’s decision was an exciting step forward for the project.
“In 2018 we identified the Skate and Scooter Park project as one of Priority Projects after receiving a petition of 1,000 plus young people telling us this is what they wanted.
“We’ve continued to engage with the community in the development of the final concept designs and we know this new facility will have a broad range of health and wellbeing outcomes for residents of all ages and abilities. It will also be a draw card for Maryborough, attracting skate and scooter park tourism.
“The existing infrastructure at Princes Park provides us with the perfect backdrop. It will activate one of Maryborough’s key recreational spaces and will complement the existing infrastructure at the site including playground, BBQs, trails and footpaths.”
The Skate and Scooter Project concept is estimated at $643,260. Last night Council endorsed a contribution of $393,260 so that a grant application of $250,000 can be made to Sport Recreation Victoria – Local Sports Infrastructure Fund. If successful, construction would start within the 2020-2021 financial year.
Council will investigate options to offset the Council funding that is needed to fund the project. It is proposed that Council’s funding could come from the sale of the existing skate park for residential use.
Sponsorship opportunities will also be explored along with funding opportunities through government, philanthropic organisations and other funding bodies.
Concept designs – additional information:
The Skate and Scooter Park has been designed to reflect the heritage of the site and to accommodate a range of wheeled sports including skateboards, scooters, roller skates, roller blades, toddler bikes and BMX bikes. The design incorporates spectator seating and viewing areas plus shade structures. It enables passive surveillance for parents and carers from several directions including the adjacent facilities (playground and BBQ area).
The new Skate and Scooter Park will provide opportunities for participation in free and low cost recreation activities for children, young people, adults, and older adults.
