7 Mar 2008

FROM THE MINISTER FOR SPORT AND RECREATION

DATE: Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Funding For New Skate Park In Riddells Creek

Skateboarders, roller-bladers and BMX enthusiasts in Riddells Creek and surrounding areas will be able to hone their skills at a new skate park thanks to a $60,000 Brumby Government grant, the Minister for Sport and Recreation, James Merlino, announced today.

Mr Merlino said the new skate park would provide an important community hub for active young people in the area.

“Riddells Creek has a large youth population who have shown strong support for a place where they can exercise, socialise, be creative and have fun,” Mr Merlino said.

“This grant will go towards building a state-of-the-art skate park that will help boost participation in the increasingly popular sports of skateboarding, roller-blading and BMX riding in Riddells Creek.”

The $104,000 skate park will include a spine bowl for intermediate skaters and a novice area for beginners, while it will also be accessible to people with a disability.

The Brumby Government grant is part of the Community Facility Funding Program – Minors Category, which provides grants of up to $60,000 to upgrade sporting facilities across Victoria.

Macedon MP Joanne Duncan said the funding boost would be well received by the local community.

“This is an important project for our community, which has put a lot of work into getting the skate park project to this point,” Ms Duncan said.

“The funding is a wonderful outcome not only for our local youth but for the whole Riddells creek community.”

Mr Merlino said the grant represented the Brumby Government’s commitment to provide quality sport and recreation facilities across Victoria.

“We want people to stay healthy and physically active, which is what our Go for your life campaign is all about – getting more Victorians involved in sport and recreation in their local community,” he said.

Macedon Ranges Shire Council has committed $30,000 towards the skate park with the local community contributing $14,000.

Construction on the new skate park is expected to start in July 2008