The legendary Eltham Skate Park on the corner of Susan and Bridge streets has undergone an $812,000 extension and revamp to give skaters, scooters and BMX riders an even more exciting experience.
The new and improved park was officially opened this week by Eltham MP Vicki Ward on behalf of the Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Action Lily D'Ambrosio.
Although she declined to hit the half pipe on a board or skates, Mayor Frances Eyre said the recreational spaces, as well as the under-construction Andrew Pocket Park in Eltham, catered to locals of all ages.
"Here at Alistair Knox Park, the old Eltham Skate Park was in urgent need of an upgrade to make it more exciting for the users of all ages," Cr Eyre said.
"Everyone knows and loves the skate park, so we wanted to give it the facelift it needed to keep it fresh and contemporary for the next generation who use it.
"Now we have a skate park that is almost double in size, meeting modern standards with important improvements to safety and accessibility. It's fantastic to see the enjoyment the new park brings our young people," Cr Eyre said.
Yesterday also marked the official opening of the new Eltham North Dog Park in Wattletree Road.
"Nillumbik is known as the Green Wedge Shire but it could also be called the dog lovers shire as we all love the dogs of Nillumbik!
"The Eltham North Dog Park provides a safe area for our dog owners to exercise and socialise their beloved pooches, with a separate space for calmer dogs.
"We are very fortunate to have the support of the Victorian Government who has provided funding for each of the parks, and I would like to thank the Member for Eltham Vicki Ward MP for her advocacy on behalf of our community."
The Eltham Skate Park has been supported through the Victorian Government's Suburban Parks Program ($300,000) and Council ($512,000). The Eltham North Dog park has also been supported through the Suburban Parks Program ($275,000) and Council ($450,000).
