It's been a long time coming, but the Bathurst Skate Park is finally up and running for the community to use.
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The skate park, originally scheduled for a December completion, was officially opened yesterday, bringing to conclusion a project that was first announced in October 2018.
The project, worth $530,000, was funded by Bathurst Regional Council [$230,000] and the state government [$300,000] through the Stronger Country Communities Fund.
State member for Bathurst Paul Toole said the new facility will diversify recreation options for children and teenagers in the Bathurst community.
"What we're seeing is a brand new extension to the track, which will allow younger members of the community to get on their scooters and skateboard and access a transformed skate park," Mr Toole said.
"It provides an opportunity for people to get out of the house and take part in a fun recreational activity."
Mr Toole said the additions to the skate park have opened possibilities for beginner uses to try out extreme sports.
"Before the works, the skate park catered more towards intermediate or advanced users, but these additions will help increase interest in skateboarding by improving the overall usability of the skate park," he said.
"I am sure these improvements to the skate park will encourage more young people to use the facility and maintain a healthy physical wellbeing."
Bathurst mayor Bobby Bourke hopes to see the facility become a popular community space for children and families alike.
"The Bathurst community has been waiting a long time for the skake park to reopen, and I hope the children and teenagers take good care of it," Cr Bourke said.
"We've had issues with graffiti at the skate park in the past, so I hope those who use it leave the surface along, as we want to encourage families to bring their children down to learn how to skate."
The skate park was constructed by VFG Skateparks and head contractor Bernie Whalan said the facility has been redesigned as an obstacle-intensive space.
"There's a lot of obstacles in relation to the square metes of surface installed," Mr Whalan said.
"It's important parents don't treat it as a child-minding facility, as supervision is critical to ensure children remain accident-free."
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Sam Bolt
"I'm not in the business of telling people what to do. I'm much more in the business of describing things, situations and stuff like that and leaving them out there, and you can make up your minds about them." -Nick Cave
"I'm not in the business of telling people what to do. I'm much more in the business of describing things, situations and stuff like that and leaving them out there, and you can make up your minds about them." -Nick Cave
