Georges River Council will investigate locations suitable for the construction of a new skate park in the local government area.
This follows a notice of motion raised by Blakehurst Ward Councillor Sandy Grekas at the February 26 council meeting.
Councillor Grekas said the notice of motion follows a petition received from young members of the community wanting a new skate park in the Georges River area.
Skateboarders, Riley Allison, 10, of Mortdale and Joshua Esber separately addressed the council on the need for a skate park.
They both independently started petitions calling for a new skate park in the area and between them, they’ve obtained 245 signatures.
Riley and Joshua told the council they had to travel as far as Helensburgh and Greenhills Beach in Sutherland Shire to find a good skate park.
Cr Grekas called on the council to “do the right thing by our younger citizens” and investigate potential locations for the construction of a skate park within the Georges River local government area with a report including a construction budget to come back to the council for its March meeting.
“We’re way behind other councils,” she told the council. “Our residents are having to travel outside of the area to skateparks at Greenhills, Menai, Marrickville, Engadine, Revesby.
“I am very supportive of exploring the opportunities to provide young members of our community places that encourage outdoor activities and the utilisation of our wonderful open spaces,” Cr Grekas said.
“I thank Council for investing time into finding a suitable location for a new skate park, and for hearing the needs of young people in the local area.”
Georges River Council mayor, Kevin Greene said he was very supportive of the initiative to investigate locations for a new skate park.
He said the council will investigate potential locations throughout the local area for a new skate park over the month of March and report its findings at the next council meeting.
“Council is committed to providing new and improving existing facilities throughout the local area for the benefit of the local community,” he said.
“This includes providing younger members of the community with places throughout the Georges River area that encourage them to be active.
“I thank Councillor Grekas for raising this notice of motion and for helping younger members of the community make their needs and wants heard to council.”