Council makes tracks to skate park

By Rebecca Fraser
AN old dirt track in Cranbourne looks set to be converted into a new skate park despite residents’ concerns that the move will promote vandalism and anti-social behaviour.
On Tuesday, Casey Council adopted the Ray Perry Park Skate Run Master Plan, and a new low-level skate facility will now be built in Lyons Street.
The street was closed off last year after Casey mayor Kevin Bradford raised concerns about the stretch of road in 2003. At Tuesday’s meeting, Cr Bradford said the dirt track had become a tip with takeaway wrappers strewn everywhere.
He said hoons were also attracted to the dirt road and the community would benefit from its closure.
Cr Bradford also welcomed plans to build the low-level skate facility on the vacated road at Ray Perry Park.
He said the facility would only be suitable for young children and would allow them to practise their skating abilities. Cr Bradford said the facility would not have any additional streetlights so it would not be used at night.
Mayfield Ward councillor Steve Beardon said he had doorknocked residents living near the planned skate park over the Easter weekend and more than half the people he spoke to did not want the facility placed in the park.
Cr Beardon said residents feared the skate park would attract vandalism, lower property values and attract children from surrounding areas at all hours of the night.
Cr Beardon said he believed the lack of lighting should ensure the facility was only used during day light hours, but he would continue to monitor the issue.
The new 50-metre long skate park will be funded through existing capital works funds and will cost $35,000 to build.
No completion date has been set.