By Corey Everitt
Emerald skaters will soon have a brand-new park for all their kick-flippin-needs as Cardinia Shire Council gives the greenlight to stage one of the Worrell Reserve Skate Park.
At the latest council meeting on Monday 19 August, councillors approved a $1 million contract to LJM Constructions to build a new skate park and youth plaza at Worrell Reserve.
Building on where the Emerald Netball Club formerly resided, the skate park aims to become a top spot for wicked air and gnarly tricks over a large circuit and a skate bowl.
It will also include a multi-use ball court, as well as accommodate vigilant parents with seating and shelter.
This project was assisted by the State Government who in 2022 announced $1 million in funding for the skate park.
“It’s a wonderful project, really looking forward to seeing this get off the ground and being built in the Emerald township,” Cr Springfield said.
“This came about in the middle of us going through the pandemic, the restrictions and a huge community effort to advocate for something more for our youth to participate in.”
The skate park is part of the Worrell Reserve Masterplan which was adopted in 2020, laying down a future vision of the reserve which builds on existing upgrades.
Stage two will include a new games area, improvements to shelter and seating and public wi-fi.
Cr Ross pointed out the significant timing this has after Australia’s performance at the Paris Olympics where three gold medals were won between skateboarding and BMX by Keegan Palmer, Saya Sakakibara and 14-year-old Arisa Trew who became Australia youngest gold medalist.
“The will inspire so many young people out there to go and have a go on their skateboard or bike,” Cr Ross said.
“The fact that council is now seen as part of their playground projects to put these things in reserves is really really good. A lot of people think traditional sports, but these are the sports of the young people today.”
