Local riders campaign for bigger skate park

A CLIFTON Springs BMX rider is campaigning to make his local skate park bigger and better.

Jay McDonald, 19, started a petition through website change.org last week calling on the City of Greater Geelong to extend the Clifton Springs Skate Park.

“Myself and others have been riding at Clifton Springs Skate Park for a few years and have realised that during the day, when local children are at school, we have enough space to ride freely without running into anyone,” Jay said.

“But when school finishes between 3.10pm and 3.30pm, it is hard for us BMX riders to actually get a ride in once all the schools kids arrive.”

Jay suggested the perfect location for an extension would be a large grass area next to the skate park, as it was still a good distance from the neighbouring houses.

“It would also attract other riders to the area, helping out local stores.

“Our skate park isn’t exactly the best as it’s very small, which makes it hard for local BMX riders to get enough speed up or try new tricks.”

The petition, which has already attracted more than 100 supporters, is Jay’s second attempt at gaining support for an extension.

“The first petition was very successful and I ended up emailing it to the City Of Greater Geelong with 449 signatures,” he said.

“It was about seven months ago that I emailed it through, but unfortunately I was disappointed when I didn’t get a response.

COGG acting director of community Life Robyn Stevens said the city welcomed and valued community input into helping to identify and plan for future infrastructure needs across the municipality, including potential new or expanded recreation facilities in the high-growth areas of Clifton Springs and Drysdale.

“We are capturing these needs in the current review of our Social Infrastructure Plan (2014),” Ms Stevens said.

“This review relies on evidence and community consultation to identify the key priorities for providing a wide range of social infrastructure – or community places, spaces and facilities.”

Ms Stevens said the city was not aware of any safety concerns related to the Jetty Road skate park, and conducted weekly condition inspections to ensure this facility was maintained to a high standard.

Local Nikki Bonner has already signed the petition and said: “A lot more kids now live in the area! A bigger skate park is needed so all age and skill levels can use the park at the same time and be safe!”

To sign the petition, visit change.org and search “Community Wanting Extension for Clifton Springs Skate Park”