SKATEBOARD and scooter riders are being invited to have a say on designs for a $1 million upgrade to the Rye skate park. Skate park design company Playce has been hired by Mornington Peninsula Shire Council to improve the existing design. The design was drawn up after skaters met with shire officers and the Playce team during several workshops last year. The resulting design is open for public comment until 4 September.
The first stage of the upgrade includes making the skate park suitable for beginners, including such street skate elements as mini ramps, banks, blocks, manual pads and rails. The $130,000 budget for the concept and detailed design of the project includes project management by shire officers the project and finalising the concept and design for construction.
Former Nepean MP Chris Brayne successfully lobbied to get $1 million from the state government for the skate park upgrade which needs to be “shovel ready” to qualify for the money as soon as possible before 2026. A second stage of the upgrade includes improved access to the RJ Rowley Recreation Reserve in Melbourne Road, Rye, a new social area with seats and shade and improvements to the adjacent playground.
In a report to council recreation planning and project officer James Ervacinovic said the workshop had agreed “that the new park would prioritise replacing the existing bowl and features, with a new fit for purpose bowl that satisfied the design brief and community need”. “The existing bowl is at end of life, with the group highlighting that it is not well regarded among the local skate community, and thus, many skaters choose to skate elsewhere,” he said.
“Council is proud to support our residents of all ages to live an active lifestyle. In this case, we’re levelling up the skate park experience in Rye,” the mayor Cr Simon Brooks said. “By incorporating some beginner-friendly skating elements we’re making sure budding skaters are safe and welcome at the park.” Cr Susan Bissinger said the former Labor MP for Nepean deserved “a big thank you” for securing state government money”.
Comments on the planned upgrade to the Rye skate park can be made until 4 September at mornpen.vic.gov.au/ryeskate or at the clock tower in Napier Street, Rye between 1p and 4pm on Wednesday 21 August.
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 14 August 2024
