No plans to demolish Mount Gambier’s Dimjalla Skatepark

Mount Gambier’s skateboarders were ready to fight tooth and nail to to save their “second home” – but rumours the park would be demolished have been quashed.

Despite the rumours circulating a Mount Gambier skate park, both council and the landowners have confirmed there are no plans to close the beloved community asset.

Concerned skateboarders believed they were going to have to flight to keep Dimjalla Skatepark open, but landowners Bedford and Mount Gambier Council remain committed to its lease agreement, and are pursuing a renewal period to June 30, 2022.

Passionate skateboarders Tanner Neale and Jessica Bowd had feared the park was going to be demolished.

Jessica Bowd and Tanner Neale are concerned Dimjalla Skatepark in Mount Gambier will be demolished. Picture: Jessica Ball

Visiting the park daily unless it’s raining and up to three times a day in summer, Mr Neal, 22, said he had realised how important his “second home” was during last year’s Covid-19 lockdowns.

“I would probably get very depressed (if it was demolished) to be honest, I’d think about moving town,” he said.

“It’s so good to hear that Dimjalla is here to stay, its such a great place for anyone to visit.”

The park has been a huge part of Mr Neal’s daily life for five years and said it was an ideal beginners track.

“I learnt how to skate here, how to grind and now I skate here all the time,” he said.

When the weather allows, 22-year-old Tanner Neale heads down to Dimjalla Skatepark in Mount Gambier up to three times a day. Picture: Jessica Ball

“It’s really great for beginners, for all ages, I’ve seen even infants with their parents and people who are like 50, anyone can come here.”

Ms Bowd, 22, said it would have been “devastating” to lose the family friendly space and would like to see more competitions held there in the future.

“It encourages members of community to gather together as well as children to make friends,” she said.

“It’s great for children learning because older kids can always teach them how.

“We’ve even made friends with these little kids because we come here so often, you help them when they fall over.”