Work starts on Ravenswood skate park upgrade
Published on 17 April 2018
The City of Launceston will undertake a major upgrade of the Ravenswood Skate Park this year, with work starting this week.
The Council has budgeted $300,000 for the upgrade, including a $45,000 grant from the Tasmanian Community Fund.
The project will represent a significant upgrade to the skate park's ageing infrastructure, and follows consultation sessions held with Ravenswood community members and Launceston skaters last year, in partnership with consultants Ramp Wizard and Concrete Dreams.
Stage one of the Ravenswood Outdoor Community Space redevelopment project will see the construction of a dedicated new concrete skate facility, complete with a cantilevered ramp, grinding rails, a quarter pipe and grinding ledges.
The work is expected to be complete mid-year, weather permitting.
Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten said the Council was also working on a second stage design proposal for the park, which would see the construction of a new nature-based playspace, the construction of a basketball half court and other improvements, and which the Council plans to undertake next financial year.
"Over the past decade, skate parks in areas like Waverley and Mayfield have closed or been decommissioned after the expiry of leases and other matters beyond the Council's control," Mayor van Zetten said.
"But skateboarding continues to be a popular activity in Launceston and we want to cater for that; the Ravenswood facility is clearly a good candidate for upgrade and we think we can deliver a fantastic new park for skateboard, scooter and BMX enthusiasts to enjoy.
"The Council already owns and maintains a popular skate park facility at Royal Park and we want to work to cater for this sporting pursuit as best we can, just as we do for myriad other sports like football, cricket, soccer, netball, croquet, athletics, hockey, swimming, BMX racing, rugby, softball, and many more.
"We're aware that some skaters would also like to see an upgrade of the Royal Park facility, and this is one of the reasons we're embarking on a regional recreation strategy. The development of this strategy will see us working with neighbouring councils and the State Government to address open space and sporting and recreational infrastructure needs on a regional basis, and provide us a good evidence base from which to work.
"As part of that strategy, Council officers believe it's likely an upgrade of Royal Park will be identified as a priority investment going forward, but we need to do the work on the strategy first.
"In the meantime, we're working to deliver a fantastic new skating facility and playspace for Ravenswood and surrounding suburbs, one that will give families in that area some new recreational options into the future.
"The new Ravenswood skate park will cater to skaters of all skill levels, perhaps with more of a focus on beginner and intermediate-level skaters, with a mix of gentle slopes and a couple of more challenging elements.
"It will also be suitable for BMX riders, scooter enthusiasts and rollerbladers.
"It's a great development for the Northern suburbs and we know from our consultation that the community is incredibly excited about this project and also the potential for a stage two upgrade of the surrounding park."