A lesson to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic was just how important our outdoor facilities are for Geelong’s young people.
The physical and mental benefits that come from an accessible and free recreation space are immense.
Council manages 15 different skate parks across the region, catering to a range of ages and abilities close to residential areas.
We have allocated funds to provide new and improved facilities at key sites, and a lot of that investment is coming to fruition.
With strong support from the Victorian government ($1.34 million), we are closing in on re-opening a $1.95m upgrade of the Waurn Ponds skate park.
Work is also underway on the second stage of the St Leonards Skate Park redevelopment.
Key features of the upgrade include:
– An expanded skate area, including mini-ramp, quarter pipes, flat banks, rails and manual pad
– Plaza and park features
– New shelter and seating areas; and a
– Drinking fountain.
Stage one works saw the existing skate park demolished, and the installation of basketball, netball and futsal facilities.
The concept design for stage two was developed with the local community, including skaters.
Council has contributed $310,000 to the project, with a further $360,000 coming from the Victorian government.
Other skate parks will be benefitting from a refresh.
Maintenance will be carried out at different parks over the coming months, with crews to focus on Lara next week.
The work will improve the facilities and make the parks safer for all users.
It has been a week for new beginnings.
With a new CEO and another councillor joining the team, there has been an injection of enthusiasm and energy.
The council went more than five years with 10 of the same councillors that were elected in 2017.
There was just the one change in this period, with Cr Belinda Moloney elected at the 2020 poll.
This consistency was an advantage as we had a strong focus on developing, and working towards, long-term plans for the community.
Since late last year, for a variety of career and family reasons, three of the original 10 have departed.
In recent months, we’ve seen Cr Melissa Cadwell (Brownbill) and Cr Sarah Hathway (Windermere) bring different perspectives and experiences to the group.
Today, I’ll have the honour of welcoming our newest councillor to the City of Greater Geelong.
Elise Wilkinson, who was elected by a countback of votes from the 2020 election, will be officially sworn into office at Wurriki Nyal.
She will become our third Bellarine Ward representative, providing us with great coverage and local knowledge from the north to the south.
The City has also welcomed its new Chief Executive Officer, Ali Wastie.
Ms Wastie has become a familiar face around Wurriki Nyal in recent weeks, meeting employees in preparation for her official start last Monday.
She brings proven leadership skills and a wide range of experience and will be a great addition to both the organisation and the Greater Geelong community.
