Inverell Shire Council Deputy Mayor Anthony Michael and Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall with Riley Collins, Lachlan Marshall and Kayden Turner-Finn at the Inverell Skate Park.
Friday, 5 October 2018
NORTHERN Tablelands MP Adam Marshall says a $50,000 State Government funding hit will help Inverell learner and novice skaters and scooters improve their skills in an upgraded youth space that is more family friendly.
Mr Marshall announced the funding today to upgrade the Inverell Skate Park to give more younger users better facilities, a safer place to play, and with some new infrastructure bits for family recreation as well.
“The skate park is already one of the most popular venues for young people on weekends and in school holidays and this project will improve it and provide them with even better facilities,” Mr Marshall said.
He said the project had been designed off the back of a community survey earlier this year to determine just what locals believed needed to be done at the Old Bundarra Rd park.
“So, under the findings of that survey, the council has designed the upgrade to include constructing a custom-designed extension, suitable for novice skaters and scooters, which will result in a 216 square metre skate park for children aged under 12 years and their families,” Mr Marshall said.
“And it will also enhance the site’s family friendliness with picnic shelters and tables, public barbecue facilities, shade shelters, and safety bollards to control vehicle access.”
Inverell Shire Mayor Paul Harmon described the State Government funding, which will be matched by the council to complete the works, as great news for avid scooter, skater and rollerblading riders.
“This Stronger Country Communities funding is something that Inverell Shire Council is very grateful for, and lump sums like this enable the council to make big improvements, big up front lump sums give us the opportunity to do big projects like this one,” Cr Harmon said.
Mr Marshall said improvements to the skate park not only give young kids a place to improve their skills but also takes them off the streets and roads around town and off other sporting grounds to a safer, secure dedicated riding space.
“The current park is in great condition with a variety of ramps and areas for people to skate, but I’m told it is a little too advanced for beginners and younger children, and has no adjacent facilities other than a small gravel car park,” Mr Marshall said.
“This money will change that by funding the expansion of the Skate Park to include specially designed extension for younger children and beginners, and will also give safer gradients for novice scooter riders to practise their skills.
“Younger riders have their space but the more experienced riders and teenagers are still able to work on their tricks in the more difficult areas.”
Mr Marshall said parents would also benefit directly, with the new facilities providing a comfortable supervision area and picnic area.