The Marshall Liberal Government and the City of Adelaide has announced the start of construction of a new City Skate Park, being integrated into Gladys Elphick Park / Narnungga.
Located on the corner of West Terrace and Glover Avenue, the new City Skate Park will create an inviting, family-friendly community hub, offering a broad range of recreational and social experiences for all skill levels and disciplines.
The new facility is a joint initiative of the State Government and the City of Adelaide, made possible by a $3 million funding commitment from the Marshall Liberal Government, through the Planning and Development Fund.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Planning and Local Government, The Hon Vickie Chapman MP said this is a perfect example of how local and state governments can work together to build what matters.
"This skate park has been designed with the local skating community at the front of mind. Its new, state-of-the-art features will make it a 'must go' destination for budding skaters, young and old," Minister Chapman said.
"This government wants to help councils get projects like this one off the ground, and we are doing that through the latest round of the Open Spaces and Places for People Grants. $20.4 million is on the table, which will see councils split the bill 50/50 with the state government for worthy community projects," said Ms Chapman.
Applications for the grant must be in by February, and already 17 applications are in progress.
"This skate park is a game-changer for the skating community here in South Australia, so today's sod turn should act as a timely reminder to review your 'wish list' and submit any worthy proposals," Minister Chapman said.
The central location of the City Skate Park (at the corner of West Terrace and Glover Avenue) will ensure it is easily accessible by public transport and available to all demographics.
Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing, Corey Wingard said this will help attract keen skaters and encourage them to hone their skills.
"This project also ties in with our Game On strategy which is all about making it easier and safer for people to exercise and get active more often," Minister Wingard said.
"It will help increase their fitness and enable like-minded people to get together to share their passion."
Member for Adelaide and Minister for Child Protection Rachel Sanderson welcomed the skate park construction.
"As local Member, I've been advocating for a replacement City Skate Park since the former Labor Government closed the former park with no plans for a new one," said Minister Sanderson.
"I'm thrilled the Marshall Liberal Govenrment is delivering to give our community what they've been asking for.
"Once built, the new dedicated City Skate Park will be safe and fun park that will no doubt be used by South Australians of all ages and abilities for many years to come."
Lord Mayor Sandy Verschoor said construction beginning was an important milestone in the delivery of a new, state-of-the-art City Skate Park for the whole community to enjoy.
"The City of Adelaide has been actively working to secure a key location and develop plans for a new City Skate Park since 2014 and consulted extensively with the community to develop the vision and capture the social, recreational, cultural and physical design elements for the new facility," said the Lord Mayor.
"The City Skate Park will integrate with the unique surrounds of the Adelaide Park Lands and pay homage to the old Adelaide City Skatepark facility, providing users with a sense of ownership and pride."
"It's going to be wonderful to have a dedicated space for skating and other recreational activities, both for the youth of Adelaide and for the whole community to enjoy."
The local skating community has played a key role in shaping the vision for the new City Skate Park.
Construction is expected to be completed by mid-2021 with the new City Skate Park to be opened to the public later this year.
