Four locations revealed for temporary Burnside skate park
Burnside Council has revealed four locations for a 12-month trial of a temporary skate park, expected to cost $60,000.
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Burnside Council has recommended four locations for a 12-month trial of a temporary track as it tests community appetite for a permanent skate park.
In its response to public demand, the council is expected to spend $60,000 on a portable pump track.
Catering for bikes, skateboards, scooters and in-line skates, a movable track of that type can be assembled in a matter of hours and be up to 70m long.
Council officials – in a report to be presented to elected members on November 12 – say the track could be seen as “an initial compromise or lead-in to a future permanent wheel park”.
“As part of the ongoing discussions about a permanent wheel park, a movable pump track could ... demonstrate the benefits and test the community’s appetite for this type of activity in their neighbourhood,” the report reads.
“Although a pump track will generally appeal to younger children, it is still a good example of the kinds of activity a park could expect to see from a permanent wheel park.”
The council has recommended trials at Kensington Gardens Reserve, Mellor Reserve, Miller Reserve and Tusmore Park from April next year.
Cr Julian Carbone said it was time for action, and it was “embarrassing” the council did not have a wheel park.
“This trial is an essential first step in the right direction and must be done,” Cr Carbone said.
“It will give us real data and real input into the best location for our local permanent wheel park.”
Skate The East spokeswoman Richelle Martin said it was a “great compromise” for Burnside residents.
After the trial is completed, the pump track could then either be permanently located at one reserve, continue to be rotated at different locations, or sold off.
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There has been a call for a wheelside park, with a one-off council survey in March revealing more than half of the 800 respondents would “somewhat or strongly support” of its installation in Burnside.
A quarter opposed the idea.
Elected members will vote on the proposed trial on November 12.
Meanwhile, Burnside Council’s acting chief executive officer Barry Cant has met with executives from Norwood, Payneham & St Peters, Campbelltown and Unley councils about a shared “regional facility”.
However, The Messenger understands that idea would be decided by the strength of community demand.