Skate park upgrades kickflip into St Leonards

CONSTRUCTION has officially begun to upgrade and expand the St Leonards Skate Park.

The St Leonards Skate Park upgrade is set to include an expanded skate area, including mini-ramp, quarter pipes, flat banks, rails and manual pads as well as new plaza, shelter and park seating areas.

The project has had ongoing support from the Bellarine community and been spearheaded by Ethan Coleman, a student at Bellarine Secondary College who has led an 800-signature strong petition brought to the council.

City of Greater Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan, Bellarine Ward councillor Jim Mason and Bellarine MP Alison Marchant came together with local youth representative Ethan Coleman to visit the site and celebrate the start of the project earlier this week.

Cr Sullivan expressed his joy at the upgrades coming to fruition.

“Local young people have wanted this project for a long time, including Ethan who’s done amazing work to advocate on behalf the community,” he said.

“This skate park upgrade will ensure young people in St Leonards and the surrounding areas have more things to do as the population of the town grows.”

Ms Marchant congratulated the local community for helping to advocate for their new skate park.

“I congratulate the community for their continued advocacy to see St Leonards get the skate park facility they deserve. This new skate park will mean locals have another place to keep active and enjoy the outdoors,” she said.

“I’m proud that the Labor Government continues to invest in the St Leonards community and supports families to keep active and connected with each other.”

St Leonards youth, Ethan Coleman said working with his local community has helped him recognise the importance of collective action.

“It’s been hard work advocating for the skate park project and I’ve had the privilege of working with many community members.

“To see the skate park project commence is extremely exciting, and it is something that our community has waited a long time for.”

The newest skate park upgrades are scheduled for completion in November.

Funding for the $670,000 St Leonards Skate Park upgrade comprises $310,000 invested by the city and $360,000 from the Victorian government’s Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program.