By Parker McKenzie
Upwey Skate Park has received a $300,000 facelift through a shared investment from state government and local council.
While local skaters have already taken the opportunity to become accustomed with the new park, an opening ceremony was held on 3 December to commemorate the project’s completion.
Monbulk MP and Deputy Premier James Merlino said milestones for the project were missed because of lockdowns in 2021.
“This is a great time as we emerge out of the pandemic and the community have an opportunity to enjoy a facility like this,” he said.
“It’s important we invest in just in organised sport, but also recreational activities such as a skate park because they are incredibly popular particularly for young men and women who aren’t involved in organised sport.”
The project was funded with $150,000 from the government’s growing suburbs fund and a contribution of the same amount from Yarra Ranges Council.
Yarra Ranges Council Mayor Cr Jim Child said young people told council a better skate park was needed.
“Our team has worked with young people in consultation to achieve the outcome we’ve got now,” he said.
“I know that one of the members who worked on the project was pretty enthusiastic about it too, and got out there and tested it himself.”
The northern section of the park was demolished to make way for an expanded area for locals to enjoy.
Mr Merlino said there is another round of projects that will receive a contribution from the growing suburbs fund.
“The council have put forward a number of projects into that fund, so I look forward to making some announcements in the not too distant future,” he said.
“People want to enjoy life. This has been such a tough couple of years with the pandemic and to head into the Christmas, New Years and summer period with restrictions gone, no lockdown and we are opening facilities like this is what people want to see.”
