Skateboarders, BMX riders, scooter riders and children of all ages now have a dedicated precinct in Redbank Plains after Stage 1 construction finished this week on the Recreation Reserve Skate and Youth Area, ahead of the facility becoming a popular local meeting point over the summer school holidays.
Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee Chair Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the $3.9 million project in the Redbank Plains Recreation Reserve was part of council’s Skateboard and BMX Facilities Strategy.
“Following consultation with the community, the design of the skate and youth area has incorporated a mix of landscaping and pathways to better connect the space to the adjacent car park and playground elements as well as a skate bowl with plenty of contemporary features,” Mayor Harding said.
“Some of the most exciting upgrades for the now regional-level skateboarding facility include a quarter pipe, flat bank, volcano, waterfall, flat bar, circulation bar as well as footpaths and seating for spectators and families.”
Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee Deputy Chairperson Councillor Paul Tully said council worked with CONVIC, a specialist in skate park and youth area design, on the Redbank Plains Recreation Reserve project.
“Works included demolishing and removing the previous concrete skate facility, constructing a concrete pathway linking the existing playground to the new skate park, Redbank Plains Road and to car parking as well as installing shelters, seating, drinking fountains and lighting,” Cr Tully said.
Deputy Mayor and Division 1 Councillor Jacob Madsen said he would continue to advocate for funding to ensure that additional features can be added to the facility in future years.
“Stage 1 of the construction has added some great new features to the Redbank Plains Recreation Reserve, but we also know the area can accommodate more features in the future,” Cr Madsen said.
Division 1 Councillor Sheila Ireland said the old skate park had reached its end of life and was long overdue for significant upgrade to keep up with the rate of families moving to Ipswich.
“Council started planning this new skate park in 2016, so it is wonderful to see it finally completed,” Cr Ireland said.
“Australia had great skateboarding success at the Tokyo Olympics. I hope this facility provides a young Ipswich local with an opportunity to fine tune their skills in preparation for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
For more information about council’s planned works and projects under construction, visit https://maps.ipswich.qld.gov.au/civicprojects
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