Council vote on Australind skatepark

The Australind Skatepark Steering Committee is calling on BMX, scooter and skateboard enthusiasts to show their support for a planned revamp of the facilities being considered at a Harvey Shire Council meeting today.

The proposed new park would take the place of the existing skate facilities behind the Australind police station and has been designed in conjunction with the National Skateboarding Association of Australia.

The plans going before council are the climax of two-and-a-half years of work for 13-year-old Nigel Heidt, who collected nearly 400 signatures on a petition asking for an improved skatepark in June 2010.

“The park that we have at the moment just isn’t big or challenging enough, ” Nigel said.

“Only a few people can use it at any one time and it doesn’t have a bowl or a half pipe.

“It’s also not very well maintained and has a lot of sharp edges that can be dangerous.”

Nigel’s mother, Sabine Heidt, said the new skatepark, if built, would address a number of issues.

“At the moment kids in Australind have to catch a bus to Eaton or Bunbury to get to a decent skatepark, ” Mrs Heidt said.

“They don’t have time to do that after school and buses don’t run on Sundays which means Saturday is the only chance they get.

“The proposed park would also have plenty of shade and seating as well as a drinking fountain which would make it accessible for whole families.”

The Harvey shire councillors will vote on the fate of the skatepark at the ordinary council meeting from 4pm today at the Leschenault Leisure Centre.