Brent Johnstone has been skateboarding and riding his BMX at the Ulladulla Skate Park for almost 20 years and he thinks it’s about time the facility was upgraded.
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There has been an ongoing campaign for the park at the Ulladulla Sports Park to be upgraded to include contemporary fixtures, but a series of proposals have failed to attract funding or user support.
Brent has come up with a new proposal that he believes will suit skaters, BMX riders and scooter riders of all ages.
He has drawn up a rough plan for a street section complete with stairs, rails, ledges and walls which he says could be built on the western side of the existing park.
Brent and his wife Hayley have posted their ideas on the Ulladulla Skate Park’s Facebook page and are seeking feedback from users.
Hayley said, based on the feedback, a formal plan would be drafted and submitted to Shoalhaven City Council for approval and funding.
She said grants would be sought from council and State Government agencies to fund the extension.
Brent told the Times the street section would suit skaters and BMX riders of all ages, from beginner to experienced, and would allow more people to use the facility at one time.
“It’s often crowded, with more than 30 people, of all levels and ages, trying to use the space after school most days - and on the weekends it is worse,” he said.
“For 20 years the community has been calling for the park to be expanded and I am determined to make it happen.”
Hayley works with kids at after school care and said she had spoken to many youngsters who use the park.
“They would love a street section as it is easier for beginners,” she said.
“The big elements like the spine, bowl and ramps can be intimidating for younger kids, especially when there are older kids and adults whizzing around at the same time.
“The street section wouldn’t be as daunting and would provide different elements to the existing park.
“It would also attract skaters away from the Ulladulla CBD who are currently using the steps, rails and stairs around the shops.”
Hayley said council funds had been allocated to provide seating and shade structures around the park for skaters and their parents to use, but she claimed better lighting was also required.
“People are skating late in the afternoon and at night using the light from the netball courts and AFL fields, which is pretty dangerous,” she said.
“The park needs proper lighting .”
Brent said he would love feedback on his “rough” concept plan via the Facebook Page before moving forward with the design.
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