Upgrade plans for Goonellabah’s skatepark have been revealed, with works scheduled to start next week.
The Lismore City Coucil says new skate elements are to be introduced while essential maintenance and remediation works take place.
Funding for the project comes from the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities grants program, with Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg describing the upgrades as ‘a win for the growing skating community’.
Cr Krieg says the park is already very popular and well used and has thanked Labor Member Janelle Saffin for her assistance ‘in securing the funding’.
Ms Saffin says young people need outdoor spaces like the Goonellabah Skate Park where they can ‘enjoy recreation and time with their friends’.
Fresh paint, new ramps and a slappy kerb
New ‘skate elements’ to be introduced have reportedly been designed by skatepark specialists Trinity Skateparks, with input from ‘local enthusiasts’.
They include new ramps, a manual pad, loading dock and hydrant, flat rail and a slappy kerb.
The council says the new features will not only offer new opportunities and challenges, but also cater to ‘the growing number of skate, scooter and BMX riders in the community’.
Ms Saffin says when she was advocating for the project in September 2022, much of the city’s current infrastructure and natural environment had been heavily impacted by the 2022 floods.
She knew at the time the upgrades would ‘create greater community participation and improved mental and physical health for youth’, the member for Lismore says.
Drainage improvements and remediation works to address sections of the deteriorated skate floor surface are also planned, along with fresh paint to ‘reinvigorate the facility, making it a more attractive destination for skaters and spectators’, the council says.
The council says work is expected to start Wednesday 29 May and finish by 12 July, depending on weather, with the skatepark closed to the public throughout.
Where to skate today on the Northern Rivers
Alternative recreational facilities the council listed in the area were:
- Caniaba Skatepark in Perradenya Estate, a small concrete skatepark hidden in the corner of Adam Gilchrist Park suitable for beginners;
- Nimbin Skatepark in Peace Parkis, a well-loved skatepark which features a large “snake run”, mini ramp, bowls and street section which suits beginner, intermediate and advanced riders;
- Wollongbar District Park, with a quarter pipe, rails and ramps to suit beginner and intermediate skaters;
- Bangalow Skatepark, with a large kidney bowl, double flow bowl with spine and roll through, as well as a street area with obstacles for all skill levels;
- Ballina Skatepark, a large surface with heaps of transitions and three bowls as well as rails, ledges, manual pads, stairs and half pipes, all with a scenic view of the Richmond River;
- Jarjumirr Skate Park, Byron Bay, the recently constructed competition level, all abilities skatepark with a 10ft skate bowl and waterfall, bowl area for beginner to intermediate users and plaza section with granite ledges.
More information about the Goonellabah Skatepark upgrades was available via the Lismore City Council’s Your Say page:
https://yoursay.lismore.nsw.gov.au/goonellabah-skatepark-upgrade
