Tatura Skate Park officially opened
By Deanne Jeffers
TATURA’S skatepark upgrade is turning heads – and wheels – these school holidays, with a bold new design that’s already a hit with locals. Among the fresh concrete features is a playful tribute to the town’s most iconic treat: a vanilla slice bench that nods to Tatura’s award-winning dessert legacy.
Construction on the new skatepark was finished ahead of schedule last month, with the site already seeing great use and being enjoyed by skaters, BMX riders, and scooter users of all ages and skill levels. It was officially opened by Greater Shepparton City Council on Thursday, surrounded by Councillors, staff and enthusiastic community members.
The project, included in Council’s 2024/2025 Budget, was fully funded by the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program, provides a greatly improved space and a modern facility for Tatura residents and visitors.
Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, said at the opening that it was great to see how well utilised the site has already been since construction was completed.
“The new Tatura Skate Park is a fantastic improvement from the previous facility,” he said. “In July 2022, Council undertook an audit of all the skateparks within Greater Shepparton, which identified many things, including that the Tatura Skate Park needed an obvious upgrade.
“Council made a commitment to the residents of Tatura that we would update the skate park and improve the facilities for users, and it’s great to see it now complete. The feedback Council has received is extremely positive and we thank the community and user groups for their valuable input in helping bring this new and improved skate park to life.”
Midland Ward Councillor Rod Schubert said the inclusion of the vanilla slice feature was a perfect nod to the town’s identity. While there are no current plans to fund lighting, Cr Schubert said lighting would be a great next step, helping the park shine even after dark.
“We now have a skate park that is attractive, accessible and safe recreational facility for all. I would suggest it has quickly become a community gathering space for skaters and their families,” said Cr Shubert.
“I’m a firm believer that skate parks provide our kids with an opportunity and space to express themselves, socialise and create community, all of which support their mental health and their wellbeing.
“I’ve been coming down here fairly regularly and I’m seeing up to 30 kids here a night,” he said. “The old skate park was here and it’s so good to see that the Council didn’t destroy the concrete basketball ring, so additional enjoyment that’s been done as well.
“The only complaint, and why I’ve got so many Councillors here, the only concern is, is there any possibility of lights? So, wait and see what’s coming. We need some lights here.”
“We need to remember that skateboarding is an Olympic event, so we might even develop some future Olympians from this skate park in Tatura,” said Cr Schubert, extending sincere thanks to the Councillors and Council staff on a job well done.
