Junior activist petitions council to build Heidelberg skate park
Ten-year-old Noah Bennett is leading the charge for a skate park in Heidelberg – taking his fight all the way to the halls of government.
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An avid 10-year-old scooter rider is championing a push to have a skate park built in Heidelberg.
Noah Bennett has already inspired his whole class to sign a petition for the park, and last week fronted a council meeting to plead his case.
Noah told councillors the closest skate park was 20 minutes away and promised if one was built, it would be actively used.
“I’m sure if you have kids you want them to be healthy, scootering is a great way to get fit and active and keeps kids off digital devices,” Noah said.
He rallied his 29 classmates St John’s Primary School to petition council to install a skate park in Possum Hollow.
“Kids in this decade are always on their phones, iPads, ps4 and Xbox’s and by putting a skate park next to Possum Hollow you will make the park appeal to all generations,” Noah said.
“I love to scooter but most of the skate parks I go to are too far away.
“I have many classmates who agree with me as we all have to travel to Northcote or Greensborough to access the skate parks.”
Noah’s mother Fiona Bennett regularly drives Noah to Northcote and Boroondara skate parks.
“What Noah’s doing is great, a skate park could really make Possum Hollow a hub,” Ms Bennett said.
“I think it would be a really positive thing and can unite older and younger people alike.”
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Banyule Mayor Alison Champion said there were no plans to build a skate park at Possum Hollow.
“However, it has been recommended that a skate facility be considered as part of the council’s Youth Spaces and Facilities Plan that is currently being developed,” Ms Champion said.
The Youth Spaces and Facilities Plan is expected to be complete by June 30.
courtney.beaumont@news.com.au