IT’S been a long wait, and will cost $1 million by the time the finishing touches have been applied, but the new skate park at Greenhills is finally open.
Skateboard riders have been giving the facility a good workout since Sutherland Shire Council arranged early entry with the sand mining companies, who developed the facility as part of a voluntary planning agreement.
Landscaping and associated amenities need to be completed before the site is officially handed over to the council early next year.
The skate park, which was originally scheduled to open in November, 2013 is part of the first stage of a 91-hectare sporting and recreation ‘‘mecca’’ being developed on former sand mining sites.
Two adjoining synthetic hockey fields are also part of the first stage.
Frasers Property (formerly Australand) and Breen Holdings are developing the sporting facilities for the council under a deal which allowed them to develop the Greenhills Beach housing estate.
Sutherland Shire mayor, Carmelo Pesce said the council had responded to requests from the community to make the facility available while work continued at the site.
‘‘The Greenhills skate park is an eagerly anticipated piece of sporting infrastructure in the shire, so it was important that we made it available for skateboarders to use as soon as possible,’’ Cr Pesce said.
‘‘However we do want to remind everyone that the areas around the skate bowl are still under construction as part of the ongoing Greenhills Parklands project.
‘‘We’re looking forward to the completion of the surrounding landscaping works by the developers, which will be completed as part of Stage 1 before the land is officially transferred to council.’’
Further works still to be completed on the site include landscaping, amenities, lighting, drinking fountain and shade structures.
A council spokeswoman said the official opening of Greenhills Skatepark and associated amenities, as well as the handover of ownership to council, was expected to take place in early 2016.
‘‘The cost of the skate park, which takes into account all works including landscaping, amenities block, drinking fountain, shade structure and associated construction costs for roads and carparks, is approximately $1 million,’’ she said.
‘‘It is anticipated the remaining parts of stage 1, including the hockey fields, will be completed and handed to council around mid 2016. ‘‘At present, council is waiting for a revised program from the developers and is working with them to resolve site issues associated with the remaining elements of stage 1 works.’’
The isolated location of the skate park has drawn criticism since it was first announced.
An earlier push for a skate park at Wanda was rejected by the council.
The skate park, which was built by Convic, has a skating area of about 1600 square metres.
The facility is separated into distinct active zones with a bowl area featuring a large vertical transition, street zones with medium to large stair sets, and a snake run/flow area which ‘‘pays homage to the early days of skateboarding’’.
LONG WAIT BUT GLAD IT'S OVER
Cronulla Sharks Boardriders President, Cameron Johnston, said it has been a long and frustrating wait for the skate park but the end result exceeded expecations.
“After waiting since 1984, it’s better than I expected and it’s the greatest thing for kids in our area for a long time,” Johnston said. ”It caters for every skater, there are parts for beginners, old guys and also the good guys.
Long-time skater Brad Smith said the bowl could have been a bit bigger.
‘‘But to be positive, it’s spread out with different runs and there are options for everybody”
“It’s good to finally have something structurally well-built which caters for all levels of abilities. I don’t mind the location it’s out of the way but you can make a bit of noise”.
Parent of skating kids Ben Steege said: “Hard to believe it’s been 37 years coming - it’s a good day’’.
Another long-suffering local, Paul Degan said, Five Dock park was built around 1980 and Ryde followed soon after.
‘‘Why did it take another 35 years for ours?” Degan asked.
Interim opening hours are 7am to sunset. Entry is via the roundabout on Lindum Road. There is a bus stop nearby on Captain Cook Drive.
What do you think of the new skate park?
