Terrey Hills Skatepark Set To Launch
On Thursday, 10 August 2017 council, then under administration, announced the Terrey Hills skate park would go ahead.
“Terrey Hills Public School student Matthew Plunkett is flying high following Northern Beaches Council’s announcement of plans to build a $200,000 skatepark at Terrey Hills Oval – on Matthew’s suggestion.” a media release stated.
Council General Manager Environment & Infrastructure Ben Taylor said the project, given the green light at Council’s August 8 meeting, is a great example of Council working with residents to meet the needs of the community.
“The skatepark proposal is a well thought-out and flexible solution for Terrey Hills Oval that can be implemented in the shorter term with minimal impact on the environment and existing users.
“Council is pleased to have been able to work with Matthew, his father, and the Terrey Hills Progress Association to make the Terrey Hills Oval skatepark a reality,” Mr Taylor said.
The skatepark was built using a flexible system of prefabricated skate elements on a concrete slab that can be relocated or expanded depending on the outcomes of the proposed Terrey Hills Oval Landscape Plan, which remains a Council priority and is scheduled for 2019 to consider all uses of the site.
Matthew’s father Tony Plunkett commended Council’s decision to invest in the skatepark.
“Thank you for taking the words of an 11-year-old boy so seriously.
“It’s been a wonderful introduction for Matthew into how local government works.
“He has learned that enthusiasm, planning and good ideas will attract supporters which, when taken seriously by Council and their staff, leads to positive results,” Mr Plunkett said.
Funding for the project was allocated under Council’s Youth Spaces Program. Council had resolved to allocate $200,000 each year for the coming four years, funded by the Council Merger Savings Fund, to develop youth friendly spaces across the Northern Beaches. It was proposed that the first project delivered by this fund is the Terrey Hills Oval Skatepark.
This week Cr. Rory Amon was congratulating Cr. Kylie Ferguson, stating he knew how hard she had fought to make the skatepark a reality too, although Cr. Ferguson, as is her way, accredited the Administrator, Dick Persson AM as the gentleman who had supported her!
Either way, an 11 year old speaking up and getting up and doing something about it will mean some fun is going to be installed with a kickoff event on May 12th.
Kylie Ferguson shares some photos that lady has taken this week - must have been out and about checking on how the skatepark is progressing!
Thanks Kylie!!
