Lismore council scores $3.9m from state government topush ahead with Urban Sports Precinct

Roller skaters, BMX bandits, scooter riders and climbers rejoice – Lismore council is set to build a new urban sports precinct to replace ageing assets. Check out the plan.

Lismore Council has received funding to create a new multi-sport park in the CBD to replace Lismore skate park, built in 1994.

Lismore City Council has received state government funding to proceed with a tabled youth sports precinct for the town centre.

The project will boast a state-of-the-art Olympic-standard skatepark with resources for roller skating, BMX, scooter use and sport climbing, as well as associated recreational infrastructure.

The council’s successful grant application for the Urban Sports Precinct will sing to the tune of $3,964,850 from the NSW government’s Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund.

Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg said he was delighted and the project would create a family friendly and safe place for youth to skate and ride.

“Lismore already has some wonderful sporting facilities that attracts various competitions from around the state and the country,” he said.

The current skatepark, built in 1994, is in very poor condition, unfit for purpose and has reached the end of its useful life, according to the council.

“The elements within the park have deteriorated to an extent that would require significant expense to remediate and will pose a significant safety risk to Council if no action is taken in the near future,” the council states.

Rather than repair the skatepark, Cr Krieg said the creation of a new regional skatepark in the youth precinct within Lismore Park would benefit families, businesses, competitions and visitors to the city.

“With skating now an Olympic event, and many world-class skaters coming from our region, a new skatepark will be another string in our bow,” he said.

Some obstacles in the existing skatepark on Victoria St will be removed and other elements repurposed where feasible.

State member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin said a new regional skate park was “much needed” and would be well used by local skateboarders.

“I am also excited that a bike track and climbing equipment are included in this project, all elements of which are ‘building back better’ to be flood resistant,” Ms Saffin said.

Community feedback on the project has been varied.

Residents have asked about existing sculptures on the proposed site and requested more advanced skating, BMX, scooter and climbing assets be considered. That could include a bigger bowl, larger ramp, and a ‘spine’.

Lismore residents have also submitted requests to include an amphitheatre and room for food trucks.

The precinct is due to be technologically advanced and include Wi-Fi and sports lighting to ensure users and spectators can safely access the precinct day and night.

Community consultation and the council’s tender process will see plans fine tuned.

Construction is due to begin in July 2023 and it’s expected the park will be completed about six months later.