Upgrade to Walla Street Skate Park, Central Park

Artist impressions showing what the upgraded Walla Street Skate Park could look like have been released and skate park users are being encouraged to share their thoughts.

The conceptual design has been developed following community consultation sessions with skaters and park users in February.

Feedback received in those sessions has been incorporated into the initial design which took into consideration a number of elements including safety, catering to different skill levels and supporting infrastructure like pathways.

Convic, which is collaborating on the design with LA3 Pty Ltd, has developed a video “fly through” of the conceptual design which park users can watch before completing a brief survey.

The video explains that the draft conceptual design has incorporated three key skate areas with an intermediate bowl, street section and beginner bowl which will cater for all users from experienced riders to beginners.

In addition to the bowl upgrades, supporting infrastructure has been proposed that addresses safety and connectivity concerns.

“Stairs into the park will be connected to existing pathways and will be skateable, so suitable for competitions and demos,” the video said.

“Sports level lighting will be included to allow for safe use at night.

“We’ve included plenty of shade and seating to allow users to take a break and spectators to watch the action.”

Walla Street Skate Park users can watch the video and provide their feedback here.

The responses received as part of this process will be used to feed into finalising the concept design of the skate park.

The survey is open until Sunday, September 20.

The Central Park upgrade is supported by the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland program.

https://www.bundabergnow.com/2020/09/06/walla-street-skate-park-design-consultation/

If you skate, scooter, ride or rollerblade don’t miss out on your chance to provide feedback on the Walla Street Skate Park and Central Park upgrades, through an online survey.

Recently, two successful consultation sessions were held with users of the Walla Street Skate Park in February.

Council's Parks, Sport & Natural Areas Branch Manager Geordie Lascelles said that 19 people attended a design workshop which provided a hands on opportunity to have a say on what should be included in the new skate park.

“Participants were able to draw ideas, vote on preferred skate elements and work in groups to brainstorm and share ideas,” he said.

A drop in session was also held last month at the skate bowl with over 40 people attending.

“It was great to meet the skate park users at the drop in session and hear their great ideas.

“They reacted so positively to having a new skate park and being listened to.”

‘Have your say' survey now online

Further to that consultation, an online ‘Have your say’ survey is now available on Council’s website.

The survey results will be collated by design consultants LA3 Pty Ltd and Convic Create Community to guide the development of the conceptual design.

Everyone who has an interest in skate bowl facilities, BMX, inline, skateboard, quad, cruiser, scooter or as a spectator is encouraged to fill out the survey provided here.

Geordie said the survey results and information received from the community will contribute to the development of a draft concept design, to be ready for public comment by June 2020.

‘We appreciate the support of the skate park users in this project, it’s important that people from our community have direct input into how the skate park looks and functions.”

To keep up to date on the progress of this project please go to Council's website. Construction will be completed by June 2021.

The Central Park upgrade is an initiative of the Queensland Government.

https://www.bundabergnow.com/2020/03/04/have-your-say-on-walla-street-skate-park/

Skateboarders have welcomed news the Walla Street skate bowl will be upgraded as part of Council's Central Park improvements.

The project is about to enter community consultation and concept design.

Mayor Jack Dempsey said the new facility would be a major boost for skateboarders in the Bundaberg Region.

“The upgrade of Central Park and the Walla Street skate bowl will be a huge boost for our young people,” he said.

“Council is pleased we are able to be able to provide a state-of-the art facility.”

Skateboarder Craig Atkinson said it will be amazing.

“It’s good to be able to have input into it,” he said.

“We’ve been waiting years for the upgrade. I think the fact that we get some say in the design of a place where we all ride at is great.”

Council environment spokesman, Cr Wayne Honor, said residents will have the chance to get involved with the planning.

“We are excited about the upgrade to the Walla Street skate bowl and Central Park and would like skateboarders and other interested members of the community to give their input,” Cr Honor said.

Invitation to design workshop and open day

“We will be holding a design workshop for users of the facility and key stakeholders on Friday, 21 February from 5.30pm and a community conversation day on site on Saturday morning, 22 February from 9am til 11am and would love people to come along.”

It's anticipated the concept design will be finalised in June 2020, with construction finished by June 2021.

“The location of Central Park offers opportunities for the skate facility to help prepare local skateboarders for the Queensland competition circuit, providing contest pathways to national events for local community members and enhancing the local economy through sports tourism,” Mayor Dempsey said.

Anyone interested in being part of the design workshop on Friday, 21 February 2020 can express their interest to attend by email before 17 February.

The Central Park upgrade is supported by the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland program.

https://www.bundabergnow.com/2020/02/07/walla-street-skate-bowl-central-park-upgrade/