St Leonards skate park lands funds

AFTER much lobbying, St Leonards has finally received some positive news regarding their bid for an improved skate park.

The City of Greater Geelong’s recently released 2020-21 draft budget allocates $30,000 for the consultation and design of the skate park’s redevelopment.

The existing skate park has left local skaters wanting for some time.

Bellarine Ward councillor Jim Mason said the community had been heard and would continue to be engaged throughout the process.

“In response to feedback from the local community and after a recent audit, we have allocated funding in the draft budget to begin the process of redeveloping the St Leonards Skate Park.

“The aim of the redevelopment would be to improve the experience of all park users, in particular young St Leonards residents.

“The first step of the process will be consultation with the community, which will help us design the renewed skate park.”

The description for the project in the draft budget said the $30,000 was for the “Design and construction of a new skate park”, but Cr Mason said the funds would simply “fund this consultation and design stage.”

Fellow Bellarine Ward councilor Trent Sullivan said the project would likely be spread out over multiple budgets.

“If adopted as part of the finalised budget it would mean work on the project would begin in the next financial year, starting with consultation, planning and design.

“From that point we’d be in a position to consider funding to build the new skate park in future budgets.”

He said community members would soon be engaged about their vision for the park.

“Community consultation on a preferred design would be expected to begin shortly after the 2020-21 Budget has been formally adopted by the council at the end of June.

“We’ll look forward to hearing the ideas of the St Leonards community.”