Construction works to upgrade and expand the St Leonards Skate Park are underway.
Mayor Trent Sullivan, Bellarine Ward Councillor Jim Mason and Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant came together with local youth representative Ethan Coleman to visit the site and celebrate the start of the project.
Key features of the St Leonards Skate Park upgrade include:
- expanded skate area, including mini-ramp, quarter pipes, flat banks, rails and manual pad
- plaza and park features
- new shelter and seating areas
- ENE hub smart pole
- drinking fountain.
There has been ongoing community support for the skate park upgrade, with the latest efforts spearheaded by Ethan Coleman, a student at Bellarine Secondary College, who led an 800-signature petition that was brought to Council.
Stage one of the project, which was completed in February 2023, included the demolition of the existing skate park, as well as the installation of two basketball/futsal goals and two netball rings.
The concept design for stage two was developed with the local community, including skaters.
The $670,000 upgrade was made possible thanks to $310,000 invested by the City of Greater Geelong and $360,000 from the Victorian Government’s Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program.
Stage two of skate park upgrade is scheduled for completion in November.
Alison Marchant MP – Member for Bellarine
I congratulate the community for their continued advocacy to see St Leonards get the skate park facility they deserve.
This new skate park will mean locals have another place to keep active and enjoy the outdoors. I’m proud that the Labor Government continues to invest in the St Leonards community and supports families to keep active and connected with each other.
Mayor Sullivan
Local young people have wanted this project for a long time, including Ethan who’s done amazing work to advocate on behalf the community.
This skate park upgrade will ensure young people in St Leonards and the surrounding areas have more things to do as the population of the town grows.
Councillor Mason
By investing in the St Leonards Skate Park upgrade we’re encouraging and supporting young people in the area to be physically active, which contributes to their holistic well-being, setting the stage for a healthier and more fulfilling life both now and in the future.
Many young people today have constant access to digital technology, and while this has brought countless opportunities, it’s also led to a concerning trend of decreased physical activity. The upgrade of the St Leonards Skate Park will ensure youth in the area stay active, healthy and get outdoors.
Ethan Coleman – local St Leonards youth
It’s been hard work advocating for the skate park project and I’ve had the privilege of working with many community members.
To see the skate park project commence is extremely exciting, and it is something that our community has waited a long time for.
