Community calls for changes to Jindabyne skatepark plans

Sitting on the shore overlooking the lake, Jindabyne’s skatepark is said to be in one of the most beautiful spots in the country for such a facility.

It is also in a fast-growing town and the skaters who flock to it will be happy to know plans to make it even better have passed another milestone.

Snowy Monaro Regional Council has announced the results of a month-long consultation process for the skatepark’s refurbishment, saying the community provided clear direction for its future and highlighted key changes that should be made to the proposed skatepark design.

“Our community has told us that the park design should be redrawn to reflect more of an open skate park design – as represented in draft plans and skate park features provided by the community,” council said.

There were four key changes: the addition of more ‘street’ and plaza-style features with an open skate park design; the inclusion of more seating and shade areas for parents to supervise children; the removal of the pump track feature from the design; and the need to concrete all dirt sections.

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Jindabyne Skatepark Association co-founder Brent Smith said the current skatepark was “just way too small” for a community that was growing rapidly and swelled by thousands when visitors were drawn in during winter.

It was full most afternoons, he said, and was also at an advanced level.

When the association started on the project, it wanted to make the skatepark bigger and more user-friendly for all ages and skill levels.

“This region is growing at a rapid pace and we want to design something that we don’t have to come back to in five years time and go ‘it’s too small’,” Mr Smith said.

“We want to make it another attraction for people to come down and visit.

“[Also] we want this project to deliver a better place for our youth to come.”

He hoped a new design would include a rail set up, a three-staged bowl, art and lots of quarters so kids and adults could learn new tricks and beginners could go without fear of going into a deep drop.

He said the association wanted it to become more of a youth hub.

A parent himself, he said skateboarding taught children good habits.

“They learn not to give up, they learn to keep trying and trying until they succeed,” Mr Smith said.

“No matter what level, someone is above you. They are always trying to inspire you.”

A survey response to council’s consultation found the majority of comments had issues with the proposed design, with only six comments approving the pump track design.

Positive comments were on how people were happy to see plans for a refurbished skatepark, the addition of lighting and a two to three foot quarter pipe.

Council said comments highlighted that the pump track and bowl feature dominated the space within the proposed park design and there were major concerns for safety in collision areas, especially with less skate-aware users and spectators.

Feedback on the pump track design highlighted the fact that the footpath cut through the track, meaning there could be collisions.

Council said the post-consultation report supported a clear need to redesign the skatepark in line with more street and plaza-style features and the reduction or removal of the pump track.

Mr Smith thanked council for its “absolutely amazing” assistance with the project.

Funding for the refurbishment will come from the the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund.