Sebastopol's new skate park is set to come to life this weekend as it prepares to host its first ever official skating competition.
Organised by the City of Ballarat Youth Services team, MR Power Park will host a YMCA Action Sports Skate Park Leagues event as part of the Western Victoria series on Saturday 4 November.
The event will see competitions held for skaters, roller skaters, as well as BMX and scooter riders. There will be multiple junior age group competitions, starting from 10 and under, all the way through to open competitions.
The event follows on from the popularity of SPU-Fest in February; a skating competition and youth festival held at Len T Fraser Skate Park on Main Road.
The City of Ballarat Youth Strategy 2022-2026 outlines a plan to deliver events and festivals that contribute to positive health and wellbeing.
Mayor Cr Des Hudson said events like the skating competition showed the City of Ballarat was delivering on its goals.
"These events that are proving extremely popular for younger people are providing wholesome entertainment and also encouraging valuable physical activity," he said.
"We encourage people to attend and see what is on offer and maybe even register to compete if they are up to it.
"If people haven't had a chance to see the new MR Power Park facilities, it is a great opportunity to see them used to their potential."
It will be the first official skating competition held at the Grant Street facility since the MR Power Park transformation project was completed in April 2023.
The $740,000 project was made possible by $440,000 in State Government funding and a $300,000 contribution from the City of Ballarat.
In addition to the skate park, MR Power Park now includes a new seniors' exercise facility, a youth space, 3x3 basketball court, AFL goals and accessible paths to link them all.
New public toilets and barbecue facilities at the site were funded by the City of Ballarat separately, adding to the overall improvements.
The competition will be held from 11am-5pm on Saturday 4 November. All competitions are free to enter.
