Kingborough Council endorses proposal for ‘high-quality’ new skate park in region
A Tasmanian council has endorsed a proposal for a new skate park facility in the state’s South, while stressing the project would require external grant funding.
Tasmania
Don't miss out on the headlines from Tasmania. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A new skate park could be built in Kingborough after the local council endorsed a proposal for a “high-quality” facility slated for the region – but officers say the $757,000 project would require external grant funding.
The council commissioned specialist skate park design company CONVIC to assess the current condition of the municipality’s three oldest existing skate parks at Taroona, Blackmans Bay, and Kettering, and also nominate a preferred site for a potential new park.
CONVIC’s report evaluated Christopher Johnson Park at Bonnet Hill, Kingston Beach Golf Course, and Dru Point Reserve at Margate as possible sites, determining that the latter was the most suitable.
The report said Dru Point Reserve was “large enough to facilitate a local to district level skate park and other future recreation development”.
“However the location is disconnected to community and town centres,” it said.
“The site contains recreation space such as playground, tennis, basketball and learn to ride areas, creating the opportunity to integrate with existing infrastructure and where young people already congregate.”
The new park is estimated to cost $757,200 to build and would match or better the council’s existing facilities.
According to a report from council officers in response to CONVIC’s feasibility study, funding for the project would “need to be sourced through a combination of external grants and capital funding”.
The council has forecast an underlying deficit of $2.2m in its 2025-26 budget and its cash reserves are low.
Elected members unanimously voted to investigate the potential for a new skate park in the broader region.
CONVIC found that the parks at Taroona, Blackmans Bay, and Kettering were in poor condition and lacked modern features such as shade and seating.
“It is apparent that council’s maintenance of skate parks over the years has been lacking and this will need to be addressed to prevent facilities from becoming unusable. Any immediate safety risks identified in the audit will be given priority attention,” the officers’ report said.
The Blackmans Bay skate park was identified as being particularly in need of repairs, with major cracks and surface chipping.
CONVIC estimated it would cost the council between $15,000 and $20,000 to complete minor works on the park or $60,000-80,000 for moderate works.
In relation to the Taroona park, CONVIC said it showed “signs of wear, is heavily graffitied, and is beginning to experience defects such as surface chipping and cracking”.
Murder charges laid over police officer’s death
Police have charged a North-West Coast man with multiple charges, including murder, after an officer was fatally shot on Monday. THE LATEST
‘I’ve crashed the Lambo’: Trial finally starts after long delays
The owner of an iconic Hobart delicatessen has appeared in court to formally deny allegations he attempted to defraud an insurance company of $180,000 following a fiery 2019 Lamborghini crash.