SW skate park plan gets go-ahead
The Shire of Augusta-Margaret River will move ahead with plans to redevelop the town’s skate park and will borrow $350,000.
The Margaret River Youth Precinct redevelopment plan will go before the council in coming months, following delays in 2013.
If adopted, the plan would have skate park developer Convic redevelop the existing skate park.
The $1.338 million plan would need the Shire to commit $350,000, which would be repaid via developer contributions, while the remaining $938,000 would be filled by external funding.
Shire community development and safety manager Paul Gravett said a working group would be formed to raise a shortfall of $50,000.
“At this stage Margaret River Lions have pledged $25,000 of the $50,000, ” he said.
Mr Gravett said the area would be improved under the plan.
“Due to the degrading state of the park identified through the investigation process, a new skate park will be built to replace the existing park, ” he said.
“Works will be undertaken to activate the wider precinct area to be more family friendly, and able to better host minor events and activities.”
Mr Gravett said the new park would incorporate obstacles for progression of beginners to advanced skateboarders. He said the wider precinct would feature shaded areas, a half basketball court, barbecues and event lighting.
The Times reported concerns in 2013 from local business Independent Concrete WA that the planned skate park had a number of flaws.
Director Ben Hmelnitsky – who was involved in building Cowaramup’s skate park on a tight budget – said the proximity of the basketball court would cause a safety hazard, and the 2.1m curve height did not cater to advanced skateboarders.
Mr Hmelnitsky said the design was “more based on skate sculpture” than practicality.
“A lot of the design looks visually nice, but it’s not that user-friendly, ” he told the Times.
“The overall height is not that much bigger than the existing site.”
He said there was a big community of skateboarders in Margaret River.
“Whether they’re young or old, they want a bit more variety, ” he said.
Mr Gravett said residents interested in fundraising for the project could contact pgravett@amrshire.wa.gov.au.
