Airtime for anticipated skate park

A RADICAL redevelopment of Waurn Ponds Skate Park is due to start this month to deliver new and improved equipment for southern Geelong tricksters.

Preliminary works will begin in late August before demolition and construction starts in September.
The City of Greater Geelong will keep open the area’s half pipes during construction to ensure skaters stay sharp during the build.

The new designs will retain and improve popular elements such as the park’s “Snake Run” bowl, “Drain” area and steel ramps.

It also includes an improved street plaza, sets aside space for a future advanced bowl, an activity area, additional shade structure and seating.

COGG developed plans for the new skate park during last year with two rounds of community consultation.
It will pay for works through a $1.34-million state government grant and $600,000 of its own cash.

Sport portfolio chair Ron Nelson said he looked forward to the plan coming to fruition.

“The concept plan for this new facility shows that it really will be worth waiting for,” Cr Nelson said.

“It’s been an enormously popular play and skate space in the past and, with its many engaging features, is definitely going to attract a lot of attention once the construction is complete.”

Mayor Peter Murrihy thanked the state government for its support and said the project would boost what had become a popular southern Geelong active space since opening in the 1990s.

South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman said he was also proud to promote the outdoor recreation project.

This skate park upgrade will support young people in our community by revamping this
popular meeting place for scooter and skateboard riders,” he said.

The new skate park is due to open by March next year.