Cobden skaters and scooter riders are on a roll with installation of a shelter and seating at the recently upgraded skate park.
After a few hold-ups due to wet weather and COVID delays, the extended skate park and shelter are now ready to go.
The $75,000 extension added a spine ramp, quarter pipes of various heights, a ledge/grind box and rail and a 6m x 3m shelter with seating.
Two generations of local residents have taken the park from a pipe dream to establishment and now its new, improved incarnation.
The skate park was first established in the late 1990s when several Cobden Technical School students and staff were involved in initiating the design and formation of a new skate park. Ideas for designs were drawn up by students in the Cobden community.
Nigel Petrie, who was then a Year 11 Cobden Technical School student conducted a petition to start the wheels turning to construct a skate park for Cobden.
The process took several years to plan and Nigel finished school and moved away for work. His parents, Dallas and Heather, were keen to see it through and worked with Cobden Tech students and Corangamite Shire Council to get the skatepark built in 2002.
"Initial funds were raised by conducting a money line in the town, donations, sponsorship and a video was submitted to a youth foundation as part of an application for government funding," Dallas said.
"Cobden has many sporting facilities for group sports, however the skate park is a location for individuals to enjoy and to spend time at. Being located next to the secondary school grounds, the park is easily accessed by the walking path alongside the golf course.
"The current modifications and extensions will be an excellent bonus for park users, providing recreational activities suitable for all ages and abilities.
"I have enjoyed my involvement over the years with the Cobden skate park. Whilst working at Cobden Technical School, I was able to visit the skatepark regularly and keep the area well maintained.
"Thank you for the assistance from the Corangamite Shire and their Councillors, past and present."
South Central Ward Councillor Jo Beard said local scooter champion Corey "Bailey" Smith approached her about three years ago with a plan to upgrade the park.
Cr Beard said Mr Smith saw the potential to have a better facility in Cobden so skaters and scooter riders didn't have to travel to other towns to enjoy their sport.
"Skateboarding and scooting have really grown and evolved since the skate park was first built," Cr Beard said.
"Skateboarding is now in the Olympics and there are state and national scooter competitions. It's great that Cobden now has a modernised facility that reflects how these sports have grown in popularity and become more mainstream over time.
"Full credit to Bailey's vision, Progressing Cobden, the Petrie family, Cobden Technical School and everyone else who stepped up to make these improvements a reality," Cr Beard said.
"I would like to sincerely thank the community, especially park users, for their patience and understanding while the park has been upgraded.
"Young people in the Cobden district now have an even better facility where they can get together and socialise in a healthy, active environment."
