Cessnock City Council and Mindaribba Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) officially opened Millfield Skatepark last Thursday following the completion of Stage 1 works. The Millfield facility is the result of collaboration between the two organisations and now the fifth skatepark in the Cessnock Local Government Area (LGA).
The event was hosted by Cessnock City Mayor, Bob Pynsent and attended by Mindaribba LALC CEO, Tara Dever; Aboriginal Elder, Aunty Cynthia Morris; students from Millfield Public School; professional BMX rider, Brodie Ritter; community members; and Council staff.
The project kicked off in 2017 when 9-year-old Millfield resident, Beau Heffernan sent his 50 signature strong petition proposing the skatepark to Council. Following community engagement activities with key stakeholders conducted over a two-year period and the adoption of Council's Skate and BMX Strategy, construction on Stage 1 commenced in December 2020.
While Beau was unable to make it to the opening event, he was represented by his grandparents. Mayor Pynsent commended Beau for his self-determination and community mindedness.
"I'd like to say a big thank you to Beau. It's drive and advocacy like his that Council loves and it's the reason we're here today launching this fantastic community facility," he said.
Following formalities, professional rider, Brodie Ritter gave an impressive freestyle BMX display and chatted to the Year 5 Millfield Public School students in attendance.
Detailed designs for Stage 2 works, incorporating seating, pathways and improved access, are complete and funding opportunities for construction are being investigated.
For more information, visit the Millfield Skatepark project page.
