Skate park plan gains approval

By Kelly Yates
BERWICK will soon be home to a $200,000 sub-regional skate park.
The Buchanan Park Draft Master Plan was adopted at Tuesday’s council meeting.
The plan is set to include a three metre wide path between Clyde Road and Monash University, the relocation of some of the existing children’s playground, an open plaza space at the entrance to the park and lighting for the paths.
During the public exhibition period, which was between 27 April and 8 May, council officers received two comments from local BMX riders asking to be involved in the design of the skate facility so there would be elements that would suit both bike riders and skate boarders.
Convic Design, the contractors for the skate facility concept design, had a consultation session with council officers on 20 May to gain feedback on the proposed design.
On the draft master plan, Casey’s city living manager Richard Amon said three BMX riders attended the session.
Convic Design also approached a local professional skater for feedback on its design.
Mr Amon said the response from the skater was positive in regards to overall layout, specific heights for the elements and material selection.
The skate park will be suitable for a range of users from beginners to experts.
Casey council received a $60,000 grant from Sport and Recreation Victoria towards the skate park.
The need for a skate park in Berwick was seen as the number one priority in the council’s Skate Strategy, adopted in 2007, because of the high demand and current lack of facilities in the area.
Edrington Ward councillor Simon Curtis said he had reservations about the skate park, fearing it could attract “undesirable activity”.
Cr Curtis suggested security measures such as CCTV be installed in the precinct but the idea was rejected at the council meeting.