Wollongong Council has been urged to include enough "non-skating" activities to make the planned Berkeley skate park a safe place for young people.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
With the planned location at Holborn Park, Berkeley, close to houses, residents want to make sure the skate park is designed to discourage antisocial behaviour from those who use it.
Barbecues, family seating, lights and even CCTV cameras were among the more popular features nominated by young people at public consultation workshops.
Facilities for sports other than skating, a foam pit, and a kebab stand were also popular.
But several residents of the area have complained that the skate park would disrupt them from picnics and walking through the park.
Next week's council meeting will consider whether to proceed to tenders for design and construction of the skate park, on the foreshore of Lake Illawarra.
This follows extensive consultation activities throughout the area in February and March, speaking to skaters, young people, residents and the Berkeley-based Neighbourhood Forum 7.
That group's convener Kristian Williams said most people he had spoken to at the Neighbourhood Forum meetings supported the idea of a skate park in the area.
While some people had hesitations about the Holborn Park location, he said most were positive about the plan.
"Generally most people who have attended the neighbourhood forum are for youth activities," he said.
"I hope that the placement where the council is putting it does provide enough buffer zone [to nearby houses]."
Mr Williams said the park should include barbecues, seating, lights and features that attract families - making the park more open and a safer place.
"Obviously there is some youth antisocial behaviour going on [in Berkeley]," he said.
"There is going to be a risk of antisocial behaviour still," Mr Williams said.
"The more people that attend and use it, especially younger people and parents, that helps keep the place safe."
A report to next Monday's council meeting recommends building a skate "plaza" with features to cater for a wide range of skating proficiency.
With $600,000 of council money earmarked for the park, it is intended to be completed by early next year.
