St Kilda Skate Park

Friday, June 19, 2009

The St Kilda Skate Park Finally Finds a Home

Council has endorsed Marina Reserve as the preferred location for the long awaited St Kilda Skate Park.

The Skate Park Community Reference Group, and independent assessor, Mr Richard Simon, of Simon Leisure Consulting, recommended Marina Reserve as the preferred site for the skate park. The Skate Park Community Reference Group was established by council to research and recommend a suitable location.

At council’s Ordinary Meeting on Monday night, more than 20 speakers took turns discussing the pros and cons of the skate park’s location. “It’s critical for the community that the council promotes this sort of public debate,” Mayor Frank O’Connor.

“The search for a suitable site has been an 11 year process. It’s taken time and no site can ever please everyone. But we’ve come to this decision based on an open and transparent process. We’re confident that the panel and process have been robust and we’re happy to follow the advice we’ve received,” he said.

“This site is relatively central within St Kilda, it’s handy to transport and parking and open to casual viewing - a key safety principle which makes it suitable for skaters of all ages,” he said.

“I urge everyone to get behind it and see the skate park for what it really is – a place where people can exercise, and have fun,” he said.

Marina Reserve is a Coastal Crown Reserve so it will require coastal management consent and approval from the Department of Sustainability and Environment. Council will be seeking that approval.

Subject to government approval, the Council will be conducting further public consultations on the design over September/October. These consultations will look at ways to address issues raised by residents in June, including; safety, loss of green space, potential impacts on views and the future management plan.

Subject to State government approval, the design is expected to be finalised by November with tenders going out December and construction starting early 2010.

Enquiries: Anna McNaughton, Communication Officer, 03 9209 6581 or 0466 142 423
or Mayor Cr Frank O’Connor on 03 9209 6431 or 0432 289 012.

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