Construction begins on new skatepark and play precinct at Newland Park in Alice Springs
A sod turning has marked the beginning of the end of the battle for a new skatepark in Alice Springs, with the new facility set to be a ‘game changer’. Find out more.
Northern Territory
Don't miss out on the headlines from Northern Territory. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Construction on a “game changer” multi-million dollar skatepark has begun in Alice Springs, with politicians marking the milestone with a ceremonial sod turning.
Alice Springs Town Council Mayor Matt Paterson, NT Logistics and Infrastructure Minister Bill Yan, and Labor Lingiari MP Marion Scrymgour were at Newland Park in Alice Springs Tuesday morning, turning the sod for the Newland Park regional skate and play precinct project.
Mr Paterson called the project a “game changer” which “will benefit young people for generations to come”.
“This is such an important investment in our community’s future and we can’t wait to see this come to life,” he said.
Construction is estimated to be completed in December 2025, and once completed, Alice Springs residents will have a new skatepark, pump track, 3x3 basketball court.
Rolling All Directions chair Greg Barnes said his group had petitioned for a new skatepark in Alice Springs for five years, and wanted to see the new facility built by a professional skatepark construction company.
“Provided that the designs which RAD/Playce have developed, are built to spec, without cutting corners, and the concrete is poured by professional skatepark builders, Mparntwe (Alice Springs) will have one of the finest skateparks in the country,” he said.
“Moving forward, it’ll be crucial to follow-up with events, workshops and access to equipment, which are the next achievable goals.”
The council has confirmed the skatepark itself will be built by skatepark builder Convic – the builders of the original skatepark – with the rest of facility being built by Alice Springs based MPH Projects.
Council has put $1.8 million towards the park, which was matched by the CLP government in November 2024.
Previously, the commonwealth government had committed $4m towards it.
Ms Scrymgour said “this project will deliver a modern skate and play park for people to enjoy” alongside 31 jobs.
“I am excited about the benefits these upgraded facilities will provide local residents and visitors to Alice Springs. It will also be good for local businesses,” she said.
The sod turning marks the beginning of the end of the battle for a new skatepark in Alice Springs, which began years ago.
Mr Paterson has been campaigning for a new skatepark in Alice Springs since 2018.
More Coverage
Originally published as Construction begins on new skatepark and play precinct at Newland Park in Alice Springs
‘Housing crisis’: How disastrous building outcomes are hurting the Territory
Two key industry leaders have called for change as the Territory falls ‘starkly’ short of its housing construction targets.
Landmark NT industrial manslaughter trial date looms
International witnesses will be called ahead of the Territory’s first ever industrial manslaughter trial, investigating the death of a beloved grandfather in one of Darwin’s wealthiest suburbs.