Skaters on a roll

By Russell Bennett
MOUNT Evelyn’s skaters’ paradise was officially unveiled last Thursday as Yarra Ranges Council’s Youth Services hosted the launch of the town’s new park.
Rain failed to dampen spirits as the Mount Evelyn ‘SK8PRTY’ marked the official opening and kick-started an afternoon of skate, scooter and BMX competitions across the ages.
Music, custom T-shirt printing and prize giveaways also provided entertainment for both participants and on-lookers.
Billanook Ward councillor Tim Heenan said the launch was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the ‘soft’ opening of the park mid-last year.
He said it provided a chance for the community to embrace the “positive vibe” generated by the park’s regulars since it opened.
Local residents successfully appealed to VCAT three years ago to overturn a Yarra Ranges Council decision to build the park on its Birmingham Road site.
They said it was not appropriate, due to the vicinity of nearby houses. But in 2010, the council used a 2009 planning law loophole to revive the project. It no longer needed a planning permit for work less than $1 million. Cr Heenan said he was “thrilled” with the end result of years of hard work.
“There were more than 50 kids (at the soft opening) – from as far as Chirnside Park and Monbulk.”
The youths were joined by their proud parents and a full contingent of Mount Evelyn’s police.
Cr Heenan said the local authority’s appearance was a big stamp of approval on another recreation opportunity for the town” youngsters.
Yarra Ranges Council staff including CEO Glenn Patterson and manager of Family, Youth and Children’s Services Guy Masters were in action at the SK8PRTY, serving food and mixing it up with the riders and skaters.