Cheers for Skatepark
Celebrating the news of obtaining funding for a new skatepark for Yarragon are (back, from left) Member for Eastern Victoria Region Harriet Shing, Abigail Brown, Kristy MacLean, Janet Pakan, Quentin Pakan, Renee Kemp, Roy Moore, middle row Tom Brown, Charlotte Kemp, Mischa Moore, Tynan Pakan, Levi Moore, Will Kemp, Will MacLean, front row Charlie MacLean, Cooper Pakan and Addison Moore.
Young people from Yarragon’s growing skateboard, rollerblade, scooter and BMX community will soon be able to showcase all the latest tricks at a new skate park, with the state government providing a $221,250 grant to build it.
The project will see construction of a 405m2 unique plaza style skatepark to cater for beginners to intermediate skill levels, including associated amenities in the open space at Howard Park.
The total project cost is estimated to be $295,000 with the balance to be funded through Baw Baw Shire’s capital works program
The facility will feature a quarter-pipe, china bank, volcano, rails, ramps, banks, bowls and more, providing an ideal space for local events, competitions, practice and play.
Tender documents for the project were released this week, with a possible project commencement in May subject to contractor availability.
Skating in Yarragon is more popular than ever with 87 per cent of the town’s primary school aged students owning a scooter or skateboard.
Parent and Yarragon Community Skatepark Association member Janet Pakan said the town’s children were bursting with pride, having lobbied for the project since 2015.
“I was one of many parents whose children were growing up and no longer interested in a visit to the playground,” she said.
“It meant we were travelling to an integrated facility and less time spending time and money in the town.
“The kids were excited when we were told there was seed funding for a skate park.”
Ms Pakan said she thanked the many parents who banded together to help see the project come to fruition.
“Every time we missed grants or funding, I thought how will we explain it to the kids,” she said.
“It’s provided them with some social leadership and understanding that things don’t just happen.
“The kids will see it through and know that their voices have been heard.”
Letters of support for the project had been received from Yarragon Lions Club, Yarragon Business Association, Yarragon and District Community Association, Yarragon Primary School and the local Victoria Police Youth Resource Officer, along with an earlier petition with almost 500 signatures to Council, to help get the concept plan completed.
Baw Baw Shire mayor Joe Gauci welcomed the good news as a win for not only Yarragon but for the wider Baw Baw Shire community.
“This project has been developed from the ground up by the community for the community and we are proud to be able to provide a legitimate space for young people to gather and socialise without fear of reprisal,” Cr Gauci said.
“This project will help kids of all ages feel connected to their friends and other community members, look out for each other and socialise in an inclusive and engaged way.
“Securing this grant would not have been possible without the Yarragon Community Skatepark Association.
Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said skate parks are an integral part of today’s youth culture and provide a safe place for young people to connect, while also promoting active lifestyles.
She thanked project partners Baw Baw Shire Council and the Yarragon Skate Park Committee for their efforts to rally strong local support for the skate park.
“Skate parks make a real difference to young people’s lives,” she said.
“This new facility will not only benefit them, but provide a great place for the community to come together and enjoy the sports they love.
“This is just one of the many projects backed by the Latrobe Valley Authority’s Community Facility Fund, which supports communityled initiatives and projects that help make the region a great place to live and work.”