Council backing for skate park ba

By Sarah Schwager
CASEY could be home to a large regional skate and BMX park to help cater for the growing number of enthusiasts in the area.
At last week’s council meeting, councillors decided to consider building a skate park at Ray Bastin Reserve in Narre Warren as part of Casey’s skate strategy.
Serious consideration will also be given to a regional skate park at Max Pawsey Reserve in Narre Warren.
Springfield Ward councillor Lorraine Wreford said, despite not being a skater herself, she knew lots of children who were.
She said skate parks were used by kids and young adults of all ages, but particularly in the 12 to 25 age group.
“There are a lot of people in our community who want to skate or BMX ride and have somewhere to do it,” Cr Wreford said.
“They are high use, out in the open and our teenagers really like to go to these facilities,” she said.
Councillor Steve Beardon said it was a great idea for the Springfield Ward but would not benefit the other wards.
He said he preferred to see the $700,000 spent on 14 smaller parks.
But Cr Wreford said sometimes councillors had to think city-wide.
“Rather than have the pool in Cranbourne, we could have lots of puddles around Casey,” she said, referring to the $28 million Cranbourne Aquatic and Leisure Centre development.
Councillor Janet Halsall said, as the proud mother of an eight-year-old aspiring skater, she would love to see a skate park that catered for all abilities.
Councillor Michael Farley agreed, stressing that BMX riding was one of the biggest sports among young people at the moment, and any money spent on a state-of-the-art skate park would be money well spent.
The recommendation was carried unanimously.