The iconic Corio Bowls skate park is on track to roll its way into the history books and ensure its heritage, legacy, and inspiring example of community spirit is protected into the future.
Council voted at its March meeting to update an existing outdated heritage overlay as well as apply for a new heritage overlay at nine recommended places, which includes the Corio Bowls located at the Fountain of Friendship Park.
A heritage overlay is used by the City as a planning tool to protect and conserve places that are significant to our local community and have played a part in the history of Greater Geelong.
As per the heritage overlay process, the City will now seek authorisation from the Minister of Planning to conduct further engagement with community, property owners and key stakeholders.
As one of the earliest examples of skateparks in Australia, the Corio Bowls were constructed in 1980 following a dedicated campaign by the Corio Skateboard Club made up of school children and their parents.
The park itself includes three distinct bowls that each vary in difficulty and shape to challenge board riders of all skill levels.
Throughout history, the Bowls have attracted national and international attention due to their unique design and inspiring example of community infrastructure fuelled by the energy, enthusiasm and lobbying of school children.
Although not a traditional example of heritage, we understand the historical and social significance the Corio Bowls hold in the community, which we want to protect and celebrate.The Bowls are still used by community members today, including members of the original Corio Skateboard Club, who have previously held anniversary events at the skate park.
Deputy Mayor and Chair of the Sports and Recreation portfolio Eddy Kontelj
What started as a campaign from a group of school students and their parents, has transformed into a community space that is recognised on the local, national and international stage.Personally, I have many fond memories of spending time at the Corio skate bowls and riding my skateboard with friends.
By recognising the Corio Bowls as a location that is rich in history, we're sending a message that heritage can come in all shapes and sizes.
I'm thrilled that we're working towards protecting the skate bowls so they can be enjoyed by the community for generations to come.
Original member of the Corio Skateboard Club Alistair Miller
At the time it was the best public skate park in Australia and soon got quite a reputation with skateboarders from all around the country travelling to Geelong to skate on what became known as the Corio Bowls.The legend of the Corio Bowls soon spread further than the shores of Australia with touring international professionals making their way to the area to skate the legendary bowls.
This continues today with touring Australian and international professionals making their way to Geelong to get a photo or video clip on the bowls, 46 years after they were built.
The Corio Bowls are a big part of Australian skateboarding history, to have a heritage overlay applied means they will be preserved for future generations to enjoy and challenge themselves in the many skate-related disciplines.
