Jabiru Town Council has used a Northern Territory Department of Sport and Recreation grant to upgrade its local skate park.
Council used the $29,000 grant to install two of Skateramps Australia’s variable height quarter pipes and platforms.
Jabiru is located 250 kilometres from Darwin in the middle of Kakadu National Park and has a population of approximately 1,200 people. Thousands of national and international visitors visit the town each year.
Council’s Director Community Services, Marc Gardner, said the upgrades are a direct result of local youth lobbying for the improvements.
“The skate park has always been a popular place for youth in the area,” he said. “They took initiative and formed a users group, comprising six to 15 year olds and developed an idea of what they wanted to see in an upgraded park.
“Local adults assisted them to draw up strategic plans, which allowed us to gain the grants.”
Marc Gardner said Council went with Skateramps Australia for its competitive pricing and assistance in installing the equipment.
“The product’s ease of construction was a key factor, but the fact that Skateramps’ Managing Director, Jim Campbell, came out to help us install the unit was a bonus,” he said.
Over the recent school holidays, the new skate park proved to be a big hit. It has already been very well used and Council anticipates this to continue well into the future.
Marc Gardner said Council is now looking to install shade structures over the park to make it cooler and more accessible during warmer months. Drinking fountains and bins will also be fitted.
Jim Campbell has been making skate ramps for 17 years. He has shipped them all over Australia, Indonesia, Borneo and to the Christmas Islands.
Townsville City Council in northern Queensland will be the next Council to enjoy the benefits of a Skateramps Australia product, with the delivery of a Mobile Funbox unit in July. The unit is expected to be up and running in coming weeks.
For further information on Skateramps Australia products contact Jim Campbell on (03) 9553 4468 or visit www.skateramps.com.au
