Local skating talent was on show when the Town of Gawler in South Australia opened its new skate park and outdoor Youth Precinct.
The Youth Precinct is a vibrant and interactive recreational development in historic Clonlea Park, not far from the central business district of the township.
Over 500 local residents attended the official opening with lots of young local talent equipped with bikes, scooters and skates.
The event began with three indigenous youth performing a welcome to country of the Kaurna people, the local traditional owners of the land.
Dignitaries included local Federal Member of Parliament Nick Champion MP and State Government Minister the Honourable Tony Piccolo MP.
Deputy Mayor Brian Thom represented the Mayor and Gawler Councillors attending included Councillor Kevin Fischer who chaired the Skate Park Committee.
The Park was some time in the making, after council was forced to close a smaller skate park five years ago due to safety concerns.
The Park was redeveloped after lobbying from the local youth community.
The concept and design for the Youth Precinct evolved from an initial grant for a new skate park from the South Australian State Government in 2012.
Last year The Town of Gawler secured additional funds from both the State and Federal Government to develop a youth friendly outdoor recreational space that could be integrated into the skate park surrounds.
“Our vision was to build a unique space for our young people and to also increase access to Clonlea Park for local families, tourists and cyclists,” said Chair of the Skate Park Committee, Councillor Kevin Fisher.
“The extra funding we received makes the Youth Precinct much more than just a skate park for young people.”
Mayor Brian Sambell said “It’s a real show piece that attracts people and encourages them to spend time outdoors with their friends and families.
“We are grateful to both Governments for recognising the need for this regional asset in Gawler.”
The Youth Precinct is sympathetic to the natural surrounds of Clonlea Park and has been carefully planned with the help of Gawler’s young people. It features a modern structure with a range of ramps and stairs, plus an adjacent scooter track purpose built for younger children with a perfect birds eye view for parents.
A natural acoustic wall has been created to impede sound and a ‘nature trail’ winds through the Park to highlight the cultural and ecologically significance of the North Para River.
‘We want our community to remain vibrant with plenty to do.” Said Mayor Sambell.
“The Youth Precinct contributes to Gawler being a great place to grow up, have children and spend a lifetime in.”
