$400,000 skate park opens in Lionel Watts Reserve Frenchs Forest
Council add $400,000 skate park to Lionel Watts Reserve after splashing $3.4m on other sporting facilities.
Manly
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Northern Beaches Council has unveiled a $400,000 skate park in Lionel Watts Reserve, just three months after opening other sporting facilities in the area worth $3.4 million.
It’s part of the council’s plans to transform Frenchs Forest into a recreation hub with two full-size synthetic football fields, a smaller junior football pitch plus a senior AFL oval. There are now nine skating facilities in the region, the latest a “flow-style skate park”.
Davidson High School student Tommy Cummings is one of the teenagers who contributed to the design process.
The Frenchs Forest local said the park is a good incentive to get kids outdoors.
“I really believe it’s important for young people to be outdoors rather than be stuck inside,” he said.
“The skate park is a great way to get fresh air and socialise… but it also keeps kids out of trouble!”
He said it was designed to suit people of all ages and skill levels.
“It’s a safe place for people to learn how to skate and scooter because it’s surrounded by sporting fields so there’s always supervision,” he said.
“It has also been built for more advanced skaters. I wanted to make sure it would last the test of time. While I’ve seen four-year-olds there’s also been 25-year-olds using it.
When we asked if he was happy with council’s investment, he said: “I’m happy with the outcome, and it shows because there’s been a lot of foot traffic. I hope the council continue to invest in sporting facilities.”
IN OTHER NEWS:
Northern Beaches mayor Michael Regan said the skate park is part of the council’s commitment to provide a high quality sporting precinct in the community as more young families move into the area.
The council is also set to reveal a new playground later this year.
Other skate parks are located in Manly Vale, Terrey Hills, North Manly, Frenchs Forest, Avalon, Mona Vale, Cromer and Forestville.