Skate park firms for Meadowbank Park

MEADOWBANK Park has been recommended as the venue for a skate park, after consultants to Ryde Council preferred it over Eastwood Park.

Children skating. Picture: Thinkstock

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MEADOWBANK Park has been recommended as the venue for a skate park, after consultants to Ryde Council preferred it over Eastwood Park.

Skate park consultancy Convic recently produced a report examining the suitability of the two parks, which had been short-listed, for the youth recreation area.

Young people have been lobbying for a dedicated venue to practise tricks on skateboards, scooters, and bicycles.

Meadowbank Park would allow a regional level skate park, according to the consultants.

Skateboarder Ben Drayton at Meadowbank Park. Picture: Phil Rogers

Young people were already skating there, and a dedicated facility would better provide for them, the report said.

While Eastwood Park was suitable for a skate park, the consultants found limited opportunity due to physical constraints.

The skate park study follows community information sessions and online surveys.

Eighteen people wrote submissions, with some critical of the Meadowbank proposal.

They raised concerns including noise, increased traffic, policing, pedestrian safety and anti-social behaviour.

The council’s works and community committee was due to vote on the Meadowbank Park recommendation last Tuesday night.

All councillors are required to vote on the recommendation at a regular meeting on Tuesday to proceed with Meadowbank Park.

The council is due to consult the public again in August and September.

The skate park is due to open next year.