Townsville’s new skate park build underway at Harold Phillips Park in Garbutt
Construction of a new $2.1 million all-abilities skate park is underway, as Harold Phillips Park undergoes a much needed makeover.
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Construction of a new $2.1 million all-abilities skate park is underway, as Harold Phillips Park undergoes a much needed makeover.
JMAC and Convic Creates Community are leading the construction of the new skate park in Garbutt, with councillor Ann-Maree Greaney saying it was ‘terrific’ that Townsville would soon join the likes of renowned skate parks around Australia.
“It’s been a long time coming but as a Divisional Councillor I couldn’t be more pleased to see this skatepark and the reorientation of the AFL fields come to life,” she said.
“I remember about four years ago standing up there with him [MP Scott Stewart] and saying what could be done and the vision for the area and it’s great to see it come to fruition.”
Cr Greaney said the Garbutt community had been calling for an upgrade to Harold Phillips Park and that it was great to have ‘shovels in the ground and see works commence’.
“We had some kids skating at the old skate park and they were saying they needed this,” she said.
She noted the need for more activities for disengaged youth and the refurbishment of the area to benefit surrounding schools and community centres.
“We know that we are we’re struggling with some disengaged youth, we have Community Gro over at Harold Phillips Park, the AFL field for the Garbutt Magpies and now we have the skate park and I’m sure the youth of this area will be tearing it up in a couple of months when it’s finished,” she said.
Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said the Queensland Government provided $1 million to Townsville City Council to upgrade the park and allow for more recreational and outdoor activities.
“We already have a number of skateparks in the community and this just complements those,” he said.
“This is just another addition to those existing skate parks that we see used time and time again with young people. That’s what we need, we need to engage the community here.”
Mr Stewart said local youths and families had an input in the design of the skate park.
“They’ve helped shape this design. There’s nothing better than having that ownership in that skate park,” he said.
“I bet you will be seeing these kids using the skate park for a long, long time.”
The new skatepark is expected to be completed, weather and conditions permitting, in August.
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