Council has started construction of the new skate park and pump track at Kariong Oval which is designed for a range of ages, abilities, and wheels.

The high quality active recreational space is due for completion by May, and will provide an engaging space for local families and the broader community to connect and lead active outdoor lifestyles. 

Community engagement activities in 2011 resulted in 302 online survey submissions which were used by Council to develop concept designs that reflect the needs of the community – now and for generations to come. 

The pump track is a continuous smooth track of banked curves and crests which can be used by a variety of ages and abilities on bikes, scooters, skateboards or skates and also links into the street style skate park, that is designed with a transitional flow and obstacles to suit beginner and intermediate skills. Designs for this new facility also include seating, shade, water re-fill stations, waste bins and new landscaping. 

The new skate park and pump track and is conveniently located within the Kariong Oval precinct on the Curringa Road frontage with easy access to the library and its adjoining carpark. The site is nestled between mature eucalyptus trees and connected open grassed areas, creating a central community space with opportunities for varied passive recreation for the whole community to enjoy. This location also allows for natural surveillance which creates a safer environment and reduces anti-social behaviour. 

This new facility boosts the liveability of the area and replaces and improves upon the existing skate bowl, which is poor condition and set for demolition once the new skate park is complete. 

Plans for a local level playspace were also developed in the concept plans alongside the new skate park and pump track.  Construction costs have increased significantly since the original budget estimates and concept plans were developed, therefore the playspace component will be delivered by Council after additional funding is confirmed.

This project is funded by Council’s general revenue and Local Infrastructure Contributions, which are charged by Council when new development occurs. These contributions fund local infrastructure needed to support an increased number of residents in the area. 

FAQ

Why doesn’t the new design have a skate bowl?

The existing skate bowl at Kariong is in poor condition and in need of replacement to one that provides a safe and engaging facility that meets community needs.

Consultation with the community – which resulted in 321 survey submissions - told us there was a clear preference for a combination style facility with a mix of street and transition style elements, and one that allows for greater user capacity. The low level transition and open street areas provide a range of features for all rider styles and is particularly suited to  beginner and intermediate rider abilities to enable skill development before moving into larger skate spaces.

As Kariong skatepark was designed as a local level skatepark with a limited budget, a skate bowl was not included in the design