Share your feedback on proposed skatepark locations for Wollongong and Thirroul

Image: MacCabe Park in Wollongong

A portion of MacCabe Park along Church Street in Wollongong as well as WF Jackson Park in Thirroul are being considered as the future location of two new skateparks for the city.

Following discussions at Monday's night Council meeting, we’ll be seeking community input and feedback on these two locations.

The locations were supported by Council following a detailed report from Convic, a leading Australian skatepark designer and builder, who looked at a series of options for each suburb before finalising the two recommendations.

“I’ve absolutely no doubt there are some very excited people in our community right now pleased that we’re moving forward on new facilities in our northern suburbs and Wollongong,’’ Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown said.

“This community engagement is the next step in the process that’ll see Wollongong City Council deliver a further two parks that will each have their own unique features and experiences.

“As we work through this feedback process, I want to be really clear. We want to hear from a wide range of people in our community about these proposed locations.

“These are going to be spaces for everyone in our community so it’s essential we hear from a wide range of voices. We want to know your thoughts about how we can make these future skateparks thrive in these proposed community spaces.

“You only have to look at Berkeley’s Holborn Park to see how a skatepark can become a vital hub that not only caters to skateboarders, scooter riders and rollerbladers and skaters, but becomes a gathering space for family celebrations and community conversations.’’

Read more in our Media Release: Council to consider Wollongong and Thirroul skate parks

People are invited to provide their feedback before midnight Monday 17 November by:

• Completing the online survey on Our Engagement website
• Filling out a hard copy survey at any of our libraries
• Emailing engagement@wollongong.nsw.gov.au
• Phoning 4227 7111
• Writing to us ‘The General Manager, Wollongong City Council, Locked Bag 8821 WOLLONGONG DC NSW 2500’
• Or chatting to us at any of the following events:
  • Let’s Talk Port Kembla - Thursday 30 October, 3.30 – 5.30pm
  • Music of the Mind event at Wollongong Youth Centre - Friday 31 October, 4.30 – 6pm
  • Let’s Talk pop-up: MacCabe Park, Wollongong – Thursday 6 November, 11.30am – 1pm
  • Let’s Talk pop-up: Crown Street Mall – Friday 7 November, 9.30am – 1.30pm
  • Let’s Talk pop-up: WF Jackson, Thirroul – Saturday 8 November, 9 – 11.30am
  • Let’s Talk Corrimal – Wednesday 12 November, 4 – 6pm
  • Let’s Talk pop-up: WF Jackson, Thirroul – Friday 14 November 3 – 5pm

The city currently has skateparks in Helensburgh, Berkeley, Dapto, Fairy Meadow and Unanderra, as well as the recently completed skate space at King George V Park, Port Kembla.

“Skateboarding has really evolved in recent years and its reputation as a sport has really grown. I am sure I wasn’t the only person in our community who watched it at the Paris Olympics,’’ Cr Brown said.

“This is an exciting opportunity for everyone in our community to provide their input into something that will benefit people of all ages. I’m really appealing to the younger people of Wollongong, don’t let this opportunity pass you by. Your voice is important and please be sure to share your feedback with us.’’

Image: WF Jackson Park Thirroul