MCG for skaters returns: Prahran Skate Park reopens to public

A Melbourne icon described as the MCG for skaters and visited by pro skaters including Tony Hawk will reopen to the public following a much-needed $3.7m facelift.

Renton Millar, professional skateboarder and Olympic judge, testing out the new vert ramp. Picture: Gemma Scerri

An iconic southeastern skate park — the place of Australian skating — has emerged from a multimillion-dollar facelift.

The Prahran Skate Park will officially reopen on Saturday, June 29, after spending almost a year being revamped.

Ahead of the opening ceremony, Australian skating royalty and Olympic skateboarding judge Renton Millar tested out the new vert ramp alongside local skaters on Friday afternoon.

“I might be a bit biased, but I think this is truly the best skate park in Australia,” he said.

Millar has been skating in Prahran since 1986, when there was only three public skate parks in Melbourne.

Got to spend the afternoon down at #prahranskatepark with @rentonmillar testing out the new vert ramp! 🛹 the park officially opens tomorrow! Get down for a fun time @StonningtonCity @theheraldsun pic.twitter.com/XSXltUli4v

— gemma ☥ (@gemmascerri) June 28, 2024

“Back then, being the only place to skate, it was kind of the Mecca of skateboarding in Melbourne,” he said.

“It started out being a little dish, but we liked it.”

In 1987, the first vert ramp was built, attracting international skateboarding legends, including Tony Hawk, Steve Caballero and more, to do a demonstration.

“When the pros came out it really just cemented Prahran as a far as being a leader in skating,” Millar said.

Since then, many Australian professional skateboarders have cut their teeth at the Prahran Skate Park.

Newly opened vert ramp at Prahran Skate Park. Picture: Gemma Scerri

“Victoria has the most skate parks in Australia, and every pro from around the country has visited Prahran,” Millar said.

“Gary Valentine and Jason Ellis are just two of the pros to have come out of Prahran.”

The new skate park was designed by Convic, in consultation with pro skaters and the local community.

Stonnington Mayor Joe Gianfriddo said the council was proud of the upgrade and what it symbolised for the community.

“The Prahran Skate Park and its significance is built into the very fabric of our community,” he said.“I am thrilled the redevelopment has retained its significance to the skating community and is also a welcome and active place for families.”

Mr Millar said one of the greatest things about skating is the community.

“Everyone is welcome, it’s a great atmosphere,” he said.

“It doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re from, if you’ve got a skateboard, you’re welcome.”