MY days of skateboarding and – more often than not – stacking at Corio Bowls might be well behind me.<\/p>\n
But I want kids from Geelong’s north to experience the same thrill, and sense of belonging, that I got dropping in on the bowls decades ago.<\/p>\n
That’s why I was proud to support Council’s recent decision to apply new heritage overlays at nine recommended places across Greater Geelong, including the bowls.<\/p>\n
It’s hard to believe the Corio Bowl are now 46 years old!<\/p>\n
Built in 1980, they are one of the earliest examples of skateparks in Australia.<\/p>\n
Their construction followed a passionate campaign led by the Corio Skateboard Club – school kids and parents who simply refused to give up on their dream of a local skate park.<\/p>\n
In the decades that followed, the bowls gained a reputation with skaters from across Australia due to their unique design.<\/p>\n
The legend of Corio Bowls soon spread further, with touring international professionals making their way to site.<\/p>\n
And I’m not the only councillor who enjoyed pulling a sick trick or two at the bowls during my younger years.<\/p>\n
The Kontelj brothers – now Mayor Stretch Kontelj and Deputy Mayor Eddy Kontelj – both enjoying skateboarding there, while Councillor Ron Nelson was a regular on his rollerblades.<\/p>\n
Today, the park’s three distinct bowls continue to challenge and inspire skaters of all abilities.<\/p>\n
They’re still used by original members of the Corio Skateboard Club, and they continue to host milestone events that bring people together.<\/p>\n
Although not a traditional example of heritage, Corio Bowls is a location that is rich in history.<\/p>\n
They’re an inspiring example of community infrastructure fuelled by the energy and enthusiasm of the youngsters that campaigned for them.<\/p>\n
They’re a timeless reminder of these kids and their campaign, and a symbol what you can achieve with a bit of grit and determination.<\/p>\n
We understand the historical and social significance the Corio Bowls hold in the community, which is why we want to protect and celebrate them.<\/p>\n
For me, this decision is about more than preserving concrete.<\/p>\n
It’s about recognising a place that represents the energy, determination and community spirit of Geelong’s north.<\/p>\n
And recognising that heritage can come in all shapes and sizes.<\/p>\n
As part of the process, we’ll now seek authorisation from the Minister for Planning so we can engage further with the community, property owners and key stakeholders.<\/p>\n
I’m looking forward to hearing from locals who know just how special this place is.<\/p>\n
The Corio Bowls are on track to roll their way into the history books, ensuring their legacy is protected well into the future.<\/p>\n
If protecting the bowls gives future generations the chance to drop in, bust some gnarly moves and take a few tumbles of their own – I think that’s something well worth preserving.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
MY days of skateboarding and – more often than not – stacking at Corio Bowls might be well behind me. But I want kids from Geelong’s north to experience the same thrill, and sense of belonging, that I got dropping in on the bowls decades ago. That’s why I was proud to support Council’s recent […]<\/p>\n