Wollongong City Council is calling for community feedback on the location of a new skate plaza in the southern suburbs.
Following further consultation with the Lake Illawarra Authority, residents, young people and business owners, Council is proposing to construct a new ‘skate plaza’ on a parcel of land located on Northcliffe Drive between Walker Street and Margaret Street, Warrawong.
Director of Infrastructure and Works, Peter Kofod, said this site is being proposed because of its links to transport, proximity to amenities, security and passive surveillance.
“The Warrawong location provides a central spot for families and young people in the southern suburbs who enjoy skateboarding, bike riding, and other unstructured activities,” Mr Kofod said.
“There are a range of ways people can comment on the proposal, either by visiting our website and filling in a feedback form, or coming along to a kiosk this Saturday, 13 November between 10am and 12noon at Westfield Warrawong.”
“Once a location is finalised, Council will commence design of the new $500,000 youth recreation space next year,” Mr Kofod said.
“The skate plaza will promote physical health amongst young people in Berkeley, Warrawong and Port Kembla, as well as provide local young people with somewhere to socialise and showcase their talents.”
In 2006 Council adopted a skatepark strategy. The strategy outlined a priority list for future skateparks and recommended we develop a skatepark in the southern suburbs, followed by the Wollongong CBD and then the Northern Suburbs. Skateparks are already located in Dapto, Unanderra, Fairy Meadow and Helensburgh.
In December 2009 Council visited Illawarra Sports High School, Warrawong High School and Port Kembla Primary School to talk to students about what Council skate facilities they already use and what activities they’d like to see at the new facility.
The students also provided around advice about what designs they think the skate park should include and what specific skate and BMX elements should be incorporated.
“By engaging young people in the design and location of the southern suburbs new skate plaza, we’re confident it will be a facility they will use and look after,” Peter Kofod concluded.