Skating is very popular with young people. It is low cost, develops coordination skills and is lots of fun. However finding a place to skate safely without annoying or injuring others can be a problem.
Lisa Gordon, Recreation Officer with Frankston City Council in Victoria, believes that one of Council’s best moves has been the development of a free skate area for local enthusiasts.
“It has been a godsend for Council,” she said. “Shopkeepers are pleased because skaters no longer interfere with their trade, kids can safely try out different skills and pedestrians no longer fear being ‘mown down’ in public thoroughfares.”
The facility has been built near a shopping centre car park and train station for easy access. It is also in view of the local police station.
“The skaters say it is the best thing ever,” Lisa Gordon said. “It can handle large numbers of users, caters for all abilities and includes a special bollard that broadcasts youth radio 3JJJ when skaters trigger the movement sensor.”
Jim Campbell from Skateramps Australia, which designed and developed the facility, said it is encouraging to see an increasing awareness of the need for these facilities within the community.
“If we want to take skaters off the streets and car parks we have to provide them with an alternative venue,” he said.
Lisa Gordon believes that, for any City with a skating issue, this is the only way to go.
“It has been worth every cent investing in this top of the range equipment,” she said. “Council also saves money from reduced damage to street furniture.”
Frankston is currently budgeting to improve and expand the facility. It will also embark upon a public art project to beautify the adjoining concrete overpass.
For further information contact Lisa Gordon, telephone (03) 9784 1888 or Jim Campbell, at Skateramps Australia, telephone (03) 9557 6334.
