Region Becoming a Skater's Paradise

THE Surf Coast, Geelong, and the Bellarine Peninsula are earning acclaim as a skateboarding paradise following the upgrades to several of the region’s more than 20 skate parks, now featuring world-class amenities.

Greater Geelong Mayor Trent Sullivan commented on the diversity of the new facilities.

“Skate parks in Greater Geelong have a variety of facilities available for skateboarders, bladers, and BMX and scooter enthusiasts including quarter pipes, handrails, funboxes, vert ramps, pyramids, banked ramps, and stair sets,” he said.

Geelong Council oversees 13 skate parks stretching from Corio to St. Leonards. These venues have benefited from recent enhancements.

“We have recently undertaken maintenance work at skate parks in Ocean Grove, Leopold, Newcomb (Grinter Reserve), Hamlyn Heights, Geelong West (Sparrow Park), Corio (Stead Park), Lara, and North Shore,” Cr Sullivan said

St Leonards Skate Park has also seen a significant upgrade, with a $670,000 investment and the final phase of development will conclude in December.

The $1.94 million revamp of Waurn Ponds Skate Park has won over local skaters since its September reopening.

Skateboarding prodigy Addis O’Loughlin commended the park’s transformation.

“I really love it now because it’s undergone significant changes,” remarked Addis.

“In the past, there was just a large section with a vert ramp and a medium section,” he says.

Addis is at the head of a pack of talented young skaters, calling themselves 322SK8, highlighted the growing talent in the area.

“In my crew (322SK8), there are kids winning comps all around the place in street and park and really putting our area on the map in skateboarding.”

“The kids are getting good because we have got some amazing facilities.”

“I reckon Geelong and the Surf Coast certainly are paving the way for other regions of not only Victoria but all of Australia. It is a skater’s paradise.”

Among Addis’s favoured skate parks are Djila Tjarra Skatepark, known for its deep bowl, The Park in Geelong, with its diverse features, and the newly refurbished Waurn Ponds Skatepark.

He urged councils to maintain the momentum and continue to care for both the new and established facilities, like the storied Torquay North Skatepark, which is showing signs of wear.

He’s also keen to see these facilities such as Waurn ponds, Torquay north and st Leonard’s being utilised for competitions, which would put on a show for the community and showcase the skill and talent in the area.

Addis O’Loughlin performing a backside Melon Grab. Photo: BRETT STANLE