Alexandra Falls
CONSTRUCTION of a skate park in Broadford’s Lions Park may again be delayed due to concerns the site may be unsuitable.
Mitchell Shire Council last Monday considered a report from recreation officer Mary-Ann McCue, which stated that Lions Park poses a number of challenges due to soil type, sloping hill and proximity to the nearby creek which frequently floods.
Sloping conditions of Lions Park may result in extra works to ensure it is structurally sound, than was needed for other skate park projects such the Hudson Park facility in Kilmore.
As well, Broadford residents and organisations, such as the Lions Club and the Broadford Bowls Club have continued to object to the park’s location.
The report cites that majors concerns about the park included the potential for vandalism, inappropriate behavior and interference with regular park goers.
Cr Ross Lee objected to the skate park being sited in Lions Park.
“I don’t think it’s feasible for us to proceed. I think we can do much better,” he said.
“We can find a location that is flatter, will cost us less money and is not going to upset local clubs.”
“Excavating the side of a hill isn’t a good start to a design.”
Cr Kelley Stewart supported siting the facility at Lions Park.
“I think the outcomes would be good if we used this place (Lions Park),” Cr Stewart.
Cr Stewart said the location was accessible for youth with its a main street frontage and it is close to the police station.
She said the slopes of the park could make for an interesting skate park design that is also a challenge for skaters.
Cr Stewart references the Kilmore skate park as a good facility located on the main road, close to a bowls club and other businesses.
“My experience is that it’s a very good park, well attended and well looked after, yet right in the middle of town.”
A design consultant will now provide the Council with a draft design.
However, if the designers dismiss Lions Park as unfeasible, the council will have to go back to the drawing board.
