Bass Coast Shire Council will construct new skate parks at Wonthaggi, Cowes and Newhaven after an extensive review showed strong demand for more facilities.
Council adopted the Skate Park Strategy Review at its meeting on May 17, setting priorities and a clear strategic vision for the delivery of future skate parks across the municipality.
The Skate Park Strategy Review identified a need for two sub-regional skate facilities at Wonthaggi and Cowes, as well as a new local level facility at Richard Grayden Memorial Reserve in Newhaven to replace the existing portable ramp. Design work will start next financial year. In addition, Council will initiate renewal works at the Inverloch skate park.
At the Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve, the skate park footprint will be re-imagined in line with proposed new aquatic facilities, with a community-led design focus on higher level street skate options to meet the needs of more competent skaters.
The Cowes skate park will be co-located on regional recreation reserve land and designed as a 'bowl facility.' A smaller local level skate park in Newhaven will focus on providing options for beginners.
Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Michael Whelan said skate parks were a popular and well-used recreation option for young people in Bass Coast, and Council had received strong feedback to help shape future facilities, with 237 community members responding to the survey.
Survey results showed 72% of respondents said they would use sub-regional skate parks in Cowes and Wonthaggi, and almost 68% said they would use the Newhaven skate facility.
"Bass Coast Shire Council has made ongoing investments in recreation facilities for young people, including new and revamped skate parks over the past five years," Cr Whelan said.
"Our most recent community engagement shows that the appetite for more skate parks that cater to a variety of skating abilities is stronger than ever.
"The strong survey response has shown us that we have a number of passionate communities that are keen for the development of skate facilities, including more skate parks and amenities that cater for beginners as well as high-level skaters."
Since 2018, Council has undertaken major works of its skate park facilities with the redevelopment of the Cowes Skate Park, new skate parks at Corinella and Grantville and renewal works at Wonthaggi and Inverloch.
Construction of a new local level skate park in Kilcunda started in March 2023, and is due to be completed by the end of June.
