Central Coast Council will officially open the newly renovated Berkeley Vale Skate Park on Tuesday 11 July following almost $145,000 of works to this popular district level facility.

The improvements, made possible with joint funding of $95,000 from Council and $49,200 from the NSW Department of Family and Community Services through the Social Housing Community Improvement Fund, have ensured the facility can better cater for all ages, abilities and skill sets.

Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said he was pleased to be unveiling the expanded skate place, which would add another high quality recreational facility to Council’s growing list of new or improved community infrastructure as part of its fully funded operational plan.

“Since its original construction in 2007, the Berkeley Vale Skate Park has proved to be very popular, providing endless hours of fun for local skaters,” Mr Reynolds said.

“Council was pleased to be able to partner with the NSW State Government to deliver these improvements including a mini ramp to encourage greater diversity of skills and end returns to the skate plaza area.

“We have also included a shelter and seating to provide a place to stop and rest, enabling parents and grandparents to relax whilst the kids skate.”

Investment in quality recreational infrastructure for the Coast’s growing community is a priority for Council and part of delivering on its promise to create a vibrant and sustainable Central Coast.

“Council’s Operational Plan for this financial year includes $551 million in essential services and a record $207.9 million on capital works projects to roll out from the beginning of July.

“Over 75% of operating and capital expenditure will be invested in the top priorities identified by the community – roads, transport and drainage, water and sewer, waste services and waterways and, of course, open space and recreation.

“In fact, Council will spend $54 million on upgrading or delivering new open space facilities this financial year, facilities that our growing community want, value and need.”

In addition to this skate facility at Berkeley Vale, Council will spend $185,000 to investigate and design a new district skate park at Lake Munmorah and has secured $500,000 from the Federal Government to build a new district skate park at Terrigal.

The official opening of the Berkeley Vale Skate Place will be held on Tuesday 11 July from 11.30am and includes demonstrations, giveaways, BBQ and ‘The Bus’ run by Regional Youth Support Services. The venue is located at the Berkeley Vale Sports Complex (Berkeley Road, Glenning Valley – next to Berkeley Vale High School).