Central Coast Council and Federal Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, will celebrate the official opening of Banjo’s Skate Park, along with the Pilon family - by hosting a free, fun-filled community event at Terrigal Lagoon Reserve on Sunday 5 August from 11am to 3pm.

The new skate park pays tribute to the late Banjo Pilon, who – at only 10-years of age – tragically lost his life while skateboarding in his local street. Following this heartbreaking event, the community banded together and rallied for a much-needed skate park in the Terrigal/Wamberal area fully funded by a $500,000 grant from the Australian Government.

Council Director, Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Boris Bolgoff said Council are proud to deliver the community’s vision for a purpose-built, safe and inclusive place to skate.

“The delivery of Banjo’s Skate Park, in memory of Banjo Pilon, means that the community now have access to another great space that promotes a healthy, active lifestyle for a broad range of users – in particular children and youth,” said Mr Bolgoff.

“Alongside the upgrade to Rotary Park, this new skate park activates the Terrigal Lagoon Foreshore, all whilst positioning Terrigal as an area offering a range of recreational and leisure pursuits.”

Federal Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks said that as part of a 2016 election commitment, the Australian Government delivered $500,000 to build Banjo’s Skate Park.

“The overwhelming support for Banjo’s Skate Park reflected the need in the Terrigal and Wamberal community for a safe, active and vibrant recreational space for our young people and their families,” Mrs Wicks said.

“This was something that was called for and led by our local community. It is a heartfelt response to tragedy, but also a reflection of the genuine need for better youth facilities in this area.

“It’s fantastic to see such a beautiful vibrant design that includes Banjo’s name - for such a beautiful little boy - which will delight people young and old for years to come.

“It has been an honour to work with the Pilon Family on this project. Mic, Jilly and their beautiful children, Fletcher and Gabbi have shown tremendous resilience and dedication in advocating for a space that will bring benefit to the whole community.

“This skate park is a safe space where our community’s families can come and enjoy being active - just as Banjo loved to.

“I am proud to be part of a Government that has backed the needs of the Central Coast community, and is determined to see a better future for young people here on the Coast.”

The opening event will be held on Sunday 5 August from 11am to 3pm at the Terrigal Lagoon Foreshore on the corner of Willoughby Road and Terrigal Drive. 

This family-friendly event will include food stalls, a series of skating demonstrations, and live musical performances by some serious Aussie talent: Fletcher Pilon, Gabbi Pilon, Sam Busker Jones, June and Trinity Young, Ellie Drennan, Greg Gould and The Button Mushrooms.

Terrigal-Wamberal Lions Club monthly car boot sale markets will not run on Sunday 5 August.  However, the Lions Club will run a sausage sizzle stall at this event alongside other food stalls – paella, classic street food, and gelato, just to name a few.

This event supports the Australian Government’s national donor online registration campaign which aims to raise community awareness and encourage more Australians to join the Australian Organ Donor Register at donatelife.gov.au

The opening event for Banjo’s Skate Park is presented by Central Coast Council and is sponsored by the Organ and Tissue Authority and Star FM 104.5.

For more information including public transport and road closures on Willoughby Road go to centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/events

Banjo’s Skate Park merchandise - including hats, beanies and shirts - can be purchased at banjos-skatepark.myshopify.com