By Natasha Fujimoto
SINCE debuting at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, skateboarding has enjoyed a boon in reputation with the sport now arguably more popular than ever in its relatively short history.
Bringing big sponsorship dollars to events and competitions around the country, skateboarding along with BMX stunt riding or freestyle presents not only an opportunity for regional centres to host professional fixtures attracting tourism but also inspires multitudes of young people to engage in yet another sport that promotes fitness, skill and wellbeing.
Stating that on any given day 50 to 100 skateboarders, BMX and scooter riders attend Victoria Park Lake’s S-Cape skate park, Tatura local Jack McCarty has spent the last two years lobbying Greater Shepparton City Council for lighting at the recreation site, enabling workers to engage in their chosen sport after hours while also improving safety.
Having collected upwards of 600 signatures petitioning for lighting, Jack said, “I will do whatever I can in the right way to get the lighting at the skatepark.”
In comparison to the impressive year-old, $3.5M Albury Skate Park, complete with an extensive street skating section and two undercover bowls, Jack said the Shepparton park was long overdue for an upgrade.
When invited to respond to Jack’s story, Council said that officers have completed a thorough investigation to determine the power capabilities at the Shepparton skate park and are now seeking quotes for detailed lighting design and costings.
A budget bid to complete the design works will be included in the 2023/2024 budget for consideration, which will be presented to Councillors in the coming weeks.
