DA lodged for Burgh skate park

SKATING enthusiasts in the northern suburbs will soon have a new venue in which to practice their moves following Wollongong City Council's lodgement of a development application (DA) for a skate facility at Helensburgh.

The DA, lodged with Council's Development Assessment and Compliance division last Thursday (April 13), proposes a site adjacent to the western car park of Rex Jackson Park, Helensburgh's main sporting oval.

Selection of the final facility site followed consultation over a two year period with local skaters and the community, including existing sporting user groups at the park such as the local rugby league, soccer, cricket, tennis, netball and Little Athletics clubs.

The proposed Helensburgh skate park was given highest priority on Council's Skateboard Facilities Priority List following this consultation, with Councillors in turn endorsing a commitment of $250,000 toward the facility during 2005.

The commitment of funds also led to the formation of the Helensburgh Skate Park Action Group to represent the interests of local skaters and their families. The group has closely liaised with Council over the past 12 months in finalising concept designs.

The group has also acted as a channel for consultation on the design elements of the skate park, being undertaken by specialist Canberra firm the Redbox Design Group. Concepts for the new facility are now being refined with full construction plans expected to be produced by the end of June.

Lord Mayor Alex Darling said the lodgment of the DA was a significant step for the local community, especially young people, who had worked hard on securing the facility for the township.