Foreshore Park will become a hub for youth conversation, connection and creativity this month as part City of Newcastle's inaugural Down the Park event.
Featuring skate competitions, art workshops and a live music line-up headlined by Triple J Unearthed artists Charlie Farmer and Trophy Wyfe, the free event will celebrate the important role young people and families play in our community.
City of Newcastle Executive Manager Community and Recreation Lynn Duffy said Down the Park was designed to support young people through purposeful and creative connection.
"Down the Park celebrates families, caregivers and young people as the beating heart of our community," Ms Duffy said.
"At a time when many households are facing challenges with access and affordability, free events like this provide valuable opportunities to connect and develop social skills, foster a sense of identity and purpose and engage with important community services and information."
Councillor Paige Johnson, member of City of Newcastle's Youth Council Standing Committee, said Down the Park is an excellent opportunity for young people to explore new activities and develop skills.
"This event invites Newcastle's youth to take part in activities that encourage social interaction, spark creativity, and strengthen their sense of belonging. An important part of this is mental health and wellbeing outcomes for young people," Cr Johnson said.
"By offering a mix of creative, sporting and cultural activities, Down the Park brings young people with diverse interests together in person, helping them build vital life skills and empowering our next generation to thrive."
The event will be delivered in collaboration with the Newcastle Youth Collective, which is made up of local government and non-government community organisations from Newcastle and surrounds.
Newcastle Headspace Community Development Officer Byron Williams said Down the Park promotes and fosters connections that help keep our community strong and healthy, offering connections to friends, family, music, art, sport and support services.
"It's a great opportunity to come along as a family to enjoy the entertainment whilst engaging with many of the supports available in Newcastle," Mr Williams said.
Down the Park will run from 4pm to 7pm on Thursday 20 November near the Foreshore Park Tram Sheds and is designed for young people aged 12 to 24 and their parents, carers or guardians.
The afternoon of entertainment will also include live performances from local musicians, interactive stunt and magic shows by Pretty Amazing Jono and sporting activities such as an outdoor rock-climbing wall and bungy rides. Skateboard enthusiasts can take part in free lessons run by Grundy's Skate, as well as a mini skate competition for more experienced riders, with prizes provided by East End Skate, Bobby Pace and Galleria Skateboards.
Hands-on workshops on art, henna tattoo and beading will provide creative outlets for families, while a free barbecue, raffles, relaxation zones and 15 stalls with information and resources from local community organisations will provide plenty of options to keep people busy.
A free courtesy coach service will transport young people aged 16 and over, as well as families, to and from the event, with pick-ups from Fletcher, Maryland, Wallsend, Jesmond and Mayfield West. A full timetable will be shared via Facebook and through local schools and services.
