Council has deferred consideration of a Merimbula skate park and wants consultation to take place with the community as well assessment of where it might be built and how it will be funded.
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The decision followed four presentations to council about the skate park, at its last meeting of 2018.
Peter O’Keefe is advocating for a new skate park for Merimbula to replace the one built at Berrambool and now unusable. He believes that a skate park and youth space should be built at Ford Park but has met some strong opposition from Merimbula Rotary Club, Merimbula Chamber of Commerce and residents of Coast Resort apartments.
Mr O’Keefe said the skate park proposal included scooters, bikes and skateboards.
“There’s a big population of kids who have these bikes and scooters and can’t use them,” Mr O’Keefe said.
“We’ve got to look after the youth and provide facilities so they can get out and recreate; 30 per cent of kids are overweight.
“I’ve seen our kids blossom by getting into sport and then when they went to skate park, it was nothing short of a miracle; they were full of life and confidence. They learn problem solving while learning tricks. All I’m seeing is very social behaviour. Let’s give them a place where they can go. It’s a low cost to resurface at $5000 a year,” he added.
He believes Ford Park is the best location because there are existing toilets, shops and it is visible.
“We can link with existing little kids play area. I would like to see some support in principle from council and community consultation and get shovel ready. We already have $15,000,” he said.
Mr O’Keefe was asked by councillor Cathy Griff about bringing the existing location at Berrambool up to standard but he said it was out of the way, poorly lit, not visible and in a flood plain.
Councillor Robyn Bain asked about the Pambula skate park but was told by Mr O’Keefe that it was “too advanced, more technical” and Merimbula would be for beginners and mid range users.
Mr O’Keefe was asked about the cost which he said would be about $600,000 but said it was a ball park figure and that Eden and Tura Beach would need to be looked at as separate projects.
“So we’re looking at $1.8m,” quizzed councillor Russell Fitzpatrick.
Cr Griff asked if Berrambool could be made to work to which Mr O’Keefe replied that it could be developed but was still a flood plain but lights could be installed.
He claimed there was 99 per cent support for the skate park to be in Ford Park but clearly that did not include the three organisations whose representatives spoke next.
Janet Maughan of the Merimbula Rotary Club said there were concerns about having a large concrete area and its closeness to the other children’s area.
“We have put a lot of time and manpower into the children’s playground area. The noise would interfere with people relaxing on the beach and reduce ability of events in that space,” Ms Maughan said.
She added that it would also encroach on the about of space available for the Rotary market and therefore the club’s income.
“Why can’t Berrambool or Pambula be upgraded, with CCTV and lighting put in. I suggest there are other projects more worthy of government support,” Ms Maughan said.
The Merimbula Chamber of Commerce also spoke against using Ford Park.
President Lynn McColl said the chamber was not against a skate park but believed any new site needed the support of the community.
“Parking and noise should be considered as well as maintenance costs. Ford Park is an important multi-purpose space; it is rare, open flat ground,” Ms McColl said and mentioned it use for New Year’s Eve festivities.
She said the chamber was keen to be part of the consultation process.
John Hukins spoke on behalf of Coast Resort as the chair of the strata committee.
“We have not been approached and our opinions not sought to date,” Mr Hukins said.
“We don’t believe a skate park is consistent with a family area. Many skate parks are heavily graffitied and have undesirable artwork. In terms of the ambiance, it’s not suitable for this area. It is not the right place for this facility,” Mr Hukins said.
He added that it was very much a family oriented area, “heavily oriented to young children, very much a green space”.
During further discussion in the council meeting councillor Tony Allen said he considered $600,000 for a skate park “way over the top”.
Mayor Kristy McBain said that the current location in Berrambool wasn’t fit for purpose.
“The problem at the current site is it has significantly changed. When I was a teenager there was a whole range of kids there and minimal trees. Now it’s so overgrown. The current skate park has no drainage, it’s minus the previous ramps, and the concrete is cracked. You can’t use it. There isn’t a facility there,” Cr Kristy McBain said.
