Security cameras will monitor Waurn Ponds’ skate park in response to “safety concerns” among young users, authorities have announced.
The cameras would be among “major safety improvements” after a plan to upgrade the park received a $250,000 grant from Victoria’s Department of Justice and Regulation (DOJR).
Police and skaters joined local politicians to welcome the improvements funding this week.
“Improvements to the facility are expected to help address community safety concerns and follow feedback received from young people who use the park,” City Hall said.
“A number of safety measures were recommended for the site following a Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design Assessment conducted in 2016 by the City, Victoria Police and DOJR.
“The partnership produced a number of recommendations to improve safety, including holding more youth events and skate competitions, cleaning up graffiti and developing a skate working group for the park.”
The security improvements in the first stage of the skate park’s landscape plan would be completed in “early 2020”, City Hall said.
“Further upgrades for the park are planned following completion of stage one, including replacement of the skate bowl, more recreation options and relocating the existing public toilet.”
Mayor Peter Murrihy welcomed the funding, calling the skate park “a fantastic community facility”.
“It’s hugely popular with people of all ages, particularly for young people in our community,” he said.
“These improvements will ensure everyone feels safe using this area.
“The precinct upgrade and investment is a result of listening to and responding to what young people have had to say about the area and what it needs in the future.”
Anti-social behaviour at the skate park has been a concern for several years.
In 2015 Geelong Police targeted the facility as part of Operation City Safe, a crackdown on known local hot spots for crime.
