Alice Springs skate park

Alice Springs Town Council’s skate park has been named the Territory’s best Recreational Infrastructure Facility at the 2003 Heart Foundation/Kellogg Local Government Awards. Mayor Fran Kilgariff said Council was thrilled with the award after working very hard to improve the skate park in recent months.

“We have achieved some very significant milestones in the development of the skate park, including the installation of flood lights, shade, fencing, a water bubbler, public toilets and a phone,” she said. “These were recommendations by the Skate Park Advisory Committee, so skaters, parents and other representatives on this Committee share the success of winning this award.”

Council will appoint a Skate Park Project Officer and channel the $1,000 prize money back into the facility.

The Heart Foundation/Kellogg Local Government Awards promote excellence in Local Government and community initiatives that encourage healthy living.

The park was built last year with funding from Council, the Northern Territory Government and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC). It is estimated that between 250 and 300 skaters and BMX riders use the facility each week.

The skate park will now compete for $10,000 prize money for the national Best Overall Project, to be announced at the 2003 General Assembly of Local Government in Canberra in November.