Lake Macquarie's biggest skate park and newest pump track were taken for a spin by droves of thrill-seeking locals today when the revamped Rathmines Youth Hub and Playground officially opened to the public.
From professional demonstrations by Parrey Skatepark's scooter squad and Olympian Poppy Starr Olsen, to training-wheel tyros testing their mettle on the track, wheels were in motion for all ages and ability levels at the free community open day extravaganza.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz said the sheer number of children and families dropping in for the Youth Hub debut was an emphatic endorsement of the new facilities.
"Creating a space that includes a skate park, pump track, basketball court and play spaces in one purpose-built precinct is an incredible drawcard for young people in Lake Macquarie, and we've seen that enthusiasm epitomised by the turn out for our opening event," he said.
"At 1000 square metres the skate park is now the largest in our city and offers an expansive space for riders of all levels to enjoy, develop and express their skills."
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the NSW Government had invested $790,000 through the Everyone Can Play and Places to Play programs to bring the Rathmines Youth Hub and Playground project to life.
"This new pump track, skate park and playground will be a popular place for families to gather and great additions to the local community," he said.
"The new Rathmines precinct is a great example of a multi-purpose space for people of all ages to enjoy.
"This is another example of the NSW Government continuing to deliver high quality, vibrant public open spaces with long lasting community benefits."
The Convic constructed plaza-style skate park features a mini ramp, banks and quarters, rails and boxes, a cantilevered wave, manual pads, hubbas and stairs, with an 'electric' colour palette across the surface.
World-renowned Velosolutions, who delivered the city's first pump track at Redhead, constructed the 120 metre Rathmines circuit, which features multiple line options, rollers, berms and doubles.
Parrey Skatepark's Matt Patterson said the youth hub hubbub was warranted, endorsing the quality of both facilities and their suitability for a range of wheel types and sports.
"With large flat areas and excellent clean shapes, the skate park is welcoming to beginners and loads of grind options will suit tech athletes from all sports," he said.
"The pump track is a good length with low enough features that beginners on scooters and skateboards can get around it comfortably, but there is enough shape and height in the berms that advanced bike riders will still be able to blast it.
"We love that you can develop so many skills in one place and there is so much room that you'll have fun even if it's busy.
"For athletes looking for big ramps we think the wave wall is insanely cool; it's an awesome feature to get a clip of your new trick."
Led by Toronto based Mat Brown Building, the $2.9 million Youth Hub also boasts a basketball half court, shade shelters, new car park and amenities with a bouldering wall soon to be installed.
Community consultation guided design elements of the hub which celebrate local heritage inspired by the former RAAF base on site, including Catalina seaplanes.
Decals across the youth hub resemble a model aeroplane kit while the geometric layout recalls an army barracks layout.
The nearby playground also received a $1.6 million upgrade with Glascott Landscape & Civil heading up the build and Terras Landscape providing the design.
The playground features a large net and slide, rubber soft fall for accessibility, a nature play area, a new shelter and barbecue, outdoor fitness equipment, improved connections and carpark upgrade, new public amenities and green spaces.
A learn to ride area offers younger riders a chance to hone their skills before taking on the fully fledged pump track.
The $5 million project was jointly funded by the NSW Government through the Everyone Can Play, Places to Play and Resources for Regions grant programs, as well as Council.
Minister for Public Spaces Paul Scully said the new Rathmines precinct was a shining example of a multi-purpose space that could be enjoyed by a wide range of young people.
"The combination of offerings at the Rathmines Youth Hub creates a perfect place for all age groups to play and explore various interests," he said.
"The NSW Government is proud to support projects like this that not only create more recreation opportunities for local people, but attract visitors to enjoy iconic facilities in a picturesque lakeside location."
The project forms part of the Rathmines Master Plan adopted in 2020.
Places to Play is a commitment to creating places for people to connect with greater access to nature, water and places to get adventurous outdoors across NSW through a $16.7 million commitment to high quality open space.
Everyone can Play is a $20 million commitment to inclusive play spaces.
Together with the NSW Government, Lake Macquarie Council is delivering infrastructure that is essential for communities.
