The much-anticipated Newland Park Regional Skate and Play Precinct has officially opened, delivering a fresh multipurpose recreational space for the Alice Springs community.
In a timely boost ahead of the summer holidays, the $8.6 million precinct features a new skate park, all-abilities playground equipment, 3x3 basketball court, open green spaces, barbeque facility and plenty of shade from sunny weather.
The facility also includes a pump track, dog park, expanded car parking and accessible toilets, positioning Newland Park as the new home for recreational events for small groups, extended families, or even the wider Alice Springs community.
Development of this state-of-the-art recreational space was done with public consultation to ensure a final design backed by and delivering for the local community.
The facility will attract visitors, school groups, sporting events and competitions across Central Australia and further afield, while also providing new options for local council-led initiatives and youth programs.
The Newland Park Skate and Play Precinct is a joint project between all three levels of government, supported by a $4 million commitment from the Australian Government's Priority Community Infrastructure Program, $1.8 million from the Northern Territory Government and $2.8 million from Alice Springs Town Council.
Construction of the Newland Park Regional Skate and Play Precinct supported up to 40 jobs in the local community with local company MPH Projects leading construction.
Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
"From investments in the Gap Youth and Community Centre and the Brown Street Youth Service, our Government is committed to supporting a stronger community in Alice Springs.
"Along with our support for sports facilities at Paul Fitzsimmons Oval and the Alice Springs Netball Courts, this terrific new precinct at Newland Park will provide more opportunities to stay active and connected.
"And I think there will be a few extra skateboards under local Christmas trees this year."
Quotes attributable to Northern Territory Logistics and Infrastructure Minister Bill Yan:
"This is a great Christmas gift for the people of Alice Springs and the Finocchiaro CLP government is proud to co-fund the Newland Park as part of our $27 million infrastructure plan to make our community an even better place to live."
Quotes attributable to Northern Territory Lands, Planning and Environment Minister Joshua Burgoyne:
"This skate park has been designed with spaces for people of all ages and skill levels, creating a place where families, young people and skaters of all generations can be active, social and connected.
"Our government invested $1.8 million towards this project to make it happen. This is a great example of what can be achieved when all three levels of government work together to deliver meaningful infrastructure that benefits our community now and into the future."
Quotes attributable to the Member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour MP:
"Young people in Alice Springs need more activities to keep them busy during the long summer months, and I couldn't be prouder that the Albanese Labor Government has invested $4 million in the Newland Park Regional Skate and Play Precinct.
"From skating to playgrounds, basketball and shade for families, Newland Park is another example of Labor delivering for Alice Springs.
"This is a huge Christmas present for the people of Alice Springs and I thank the council for all their hard work to deliver this extremely valuable community infrastructure."
Quotes attributable to Mayor of Alice Springs Town Council Asta Hill:
"Newland Park has been a long time coming, and today is a really proud moment for Alice Springs.
"This precinct was shaped with our community - young people, families, skaters and local groups all had a say in how this space should look and work, and it's great to see that input come to life."
"It's not just a skate park - it's a place to gather, be active, cool off under the shade, and spend time together.
"Projects like this don't happen without strong partnerships. I want to thank the Australian Government and Northern Territory Government for working with Council to invest in infrastructure that directly benefits our community."
